News + Features

  • Vegetation Management Plans are cool!

    February 10, 2025

    Posted in: News Articles

    While planning may not sound like the most exciting endeavor, it’s an essential step in caring for conserved lands. Early conservationists focused their plans on leaving the land alone as a response to less-than-ideal land management techniques like aggressive forestry, …

  • Caring for Jenner Headlands Preserve

    February 10, 2025

    Posted in: News Articles

    Jenner Headlands Preserve is a stunner – with over 5,600 acres of coastal prairie, oak and redwood forests, and views that truly awe and inspire. Running for 2.5 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway, the Headlands is part of the …

  • Celebrating 35 Years of Conservation 

    January 27, 2025

    Posted in: News Articles

    This year, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space proudly celebrates 35 years of preserving and protecting the lands that make our region so unique. Since our founding, we’ve conserved over 12% of the county, protecting vital natural resources, supporting local …

  • 2024 Year in Review

    January 27, 2025

    Posted in: News Articles

    A Glimpse into 2024: Highlights of Conservation and Community Impact As we begin 2025, we reflect on a year of meaningful progress in our mission to preserve Sonoma County’s agricultural, natural, recreational, and scenic lands for future generations. This year, …

  • Staff spotlight: Rosie Clark (she/her), Secretary

    December 26, 2024

    Posted in: People & Places

    Rosie was raised in Sonoma County and attended Sonoma State University obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation. Her love of animals has taken her from studying Spinner Dolphins on the …

  • Celebrating the Legacy of Supervisor Susan Gorin: A Champion for Sonoma County’s Open Spaces

    December 26, 2024

    Posted in: People & Places

    As we bid farewell to District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin after 12 years of dedicated service, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space reflects on her extraordinary contributions to preserving the natural beauty and community resources of our region. Susan’s tenure …

  • Press Release: Ag + Open Space Announces Seven New Community Open Space Projects

    December 10, 2024

    Posted in: Press Releases

    SANTA ROSA, CA (December 10, 2024) – Ag + Open Space is proud to announce seven new projects through our Community Spaces Matching Grant Program. This is the first round of projects approved since a major update of the program, which …

  • Poised to Pounce on Prop 4

    November 26, 2024

    Posted in: News Articles

    The landmark passing of Prop 4, more commonly known as the Climate Bond, will provide $10 billion in critical funding for clean water; protection from wildfire, sea level rise, flooding, extreme heat, and drought; and conservation of our farms, natural …

  • Staff spotlight: Victor Schwalm (he/him), Stewardship Technician

    November 19, 2024

    Posted in: People & Places

    Victor most recently worked at Marin Water in partnership with Grizzlycorps, a UC Berkeley Americorps program. While there, he worked with the watershed department to coordinate volunteer programs including rare species monitoring, habitat restoration days and trail crew events. Before …

  • Staff spotlight: Wald Zimmerman (they/he), Stewardship Technician

    October 22, 2024

    Posted in: People & Places

    Born and raised in Sonoma County, Wald has a BA from San Francisco State University in Geography with a focus on Natural Resources Management and a minor in Biology.  Since his graduation, Wald has explored his many interests professionally and …