Sonoma Mountain Ranch protected!

Our year ended on a high note with escrow closing on Sonoma Mountain Ranch on December 30. This spectacular mountaintop property became available in September and Land Trust and Open Space District staff pulled out all the stops to pull the purchase together in record time. As SLT conservation director Wendy Eliot said, “People can hike to the tops of Mt. Tam, Mt. St. Helena, Mt. Diablo and San Bruno Mountain, and now they’ll be able to hike to the top of Sonoma Mountain, too.” The purchase cost was $9.95 million; the Land Trust put up the initial $125,000 to secure the contract, the Open Space District contributed $8.45 million and the Coastal Conservancy supplied $1.5 million. Special thanks to our real estate broker, Kirsten Lindquist of Sotheby’s, who donated $50,000 of her commission to the Sonoma Land Trust so that we can move just as quickly on the next prime opportunity that comes our way. Read news coverage.

SLT staff visit with Jenner community

This past Saturday, the Land Trust hosted a meeting at the Jenner Community Club to formally introduce ourselves to the community and provide more information about the Jenner Headlands project. Amy Chesnut, Bob Neale and new Jenner Headlands project manager, Brook Edwards, spoke with approximately 30 people who came to learn more about their potential new neighbor, when we’re expecting to actually own the property, and how folks can get more involved. Plans are proceeding apace, although California’s fiscal crisis may delay the closing. To receive periodic updates about the Jenner Headlands project, send us an email here.

Boy Scouts lend a hand at the Estero Americano Preserve

An enthusiastic crew of 23 Boy Scouts and parents dedicated a day to stewardship of the Estero Americano Preserve this past December 27. Braving rainy weather during the busy holiday season, the team contributed more than 150 hours toward a variety of projects. Working in small groups, the scouts mended and secured 5,750 feet of fencing, re-hung livestock gates, strung new segments of barbed wire, and tackled invasive Italian thistle and Monterey pine seedlings encroaching upon the coastal grasslands. Read more.

January 2009

Our supporters protect the land

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Sonoma Land Trust in 2008. Your generous support helps us to permanently protect lands that are rich in history, breathtaking views and recreational opportunities. With our magnificent coast, redwood forests, mountains, farmlands, rivers and streams, Sonoma County is a magical place.

Donations fueled our work to permanently protect Sonoma Mountain Ranch and contributions are key to ensuring that the Jenner Headlands will finally be protected from development. What we do today counts. We are currently in negotiations on four strategically important properties across the county and having the financial resources to move forward is critical. By standing together, we will ensure that our vistas remain boundless, water clean, hiking trails plentiful and wildlife habitats connected for future generations.

Curious creatures

Wandering cows near Little Black Mountain investigate the Land Trust’s truck, known to staff as Big Red.

Welcome new members!

Here are the people who have joined in our quest to protect the land forever between November 1 and the end of last year. See list.

Join us on

Facebook is the place to learn about important Land Trust happenings as they occur. If you’re a member of Facebook, please become a member of the SLT group on Facebook today! Check us out.