Press Releases
Sonoma Land Trust awarded accreditation for meeting national standards of excellence
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., April 24, 2013
Sonoma Land Trust has attained accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. Accreditation recognizes land trusts for meeting national standards for excellence, upholding the public trust and ensuring that protected lands will remain protected forever. Read press release
Benefit screening of REBELS WITH A CAUSE
A documentary about the people who saved Point Reyes National Seashore and the GGNRA for all of us
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., January 8, 2013
KRCB North Bay Public Media and Sonoma Land Trust will present "Rebels With a Cause," an award-winning documentary by local filmmakers Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto, on Thursday, January 24 at 7 pm at Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol. Special guests at the benefit screening will include Marin and Sonoma Coast "Rebels" Marty Griffin and Bill Kortum, along with the filmmakers. Ticket cost is $15 and all proceeds will help fund final production costs. This stunningly beautiful film was produced in association with KRCB and has already been shown at several film festivals to high acclaim. The goal is to put the finishing touches on it and distribute it to PBS stations nationwide. Read press release
Steelhead to get green light through Stuart Creek
Sonoma Land Trust acquires additional links in Sonoma Valley aquatic corridor
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., November 15, 2012
Last year, Sonoma Land Trust purchased the 3.5-acre Stuart Creek Run property in Glen Ellen to restore the creek’s historic steelhead run. Recently, the Land Trust jumped on the opportunity to make two nearby acquisitions along Stuart Creek and has also secured a contract to purchase a third parcel at the headwaters of the creek. These acquisitions will permanently protect a key portion of the Sonoma Valley Wildlife Corridor “pinchpoint” at Highway 12 and also provide additional habitat connectivity for wildlife by linking to the large, existing network of protected lands in the Sonoma Valley. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust secures $4 million from Coastal Conservancy and EPA for Sears Point Wetlands Restoration Project
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., Oct. 25, 2012
The Sonoma Land Trust is the recipient of $3,189,500 approved by the California Coastal Conservancy for implementation of the Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration Project. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency’s San Francisco Bay Area Water Quality Improvement Fund has awarded $941,941 to Sonoma Land Trust to prepare for the restoration of 960 acres of tidal marsh at Sears Point Ranch for the benefit of endangered species and improved water quality. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust and LandPaths link up to create Bohemia Ecological Preserve
New 554-acre preserve created near Occidental
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., January 31, 2012
Two Sonoma County nonprofit conservation groups, Sonoma Land Trust and LandPaths, announced the creation of a new 554-acre nature preserve on the Bohemia Ranch located between Occidental and Monte Rio near Camp Meeker. Read press release
Timber harvest workshop to present process for protecting watershed and streamlining permitting
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., October 18, 2011
Using light-touch timber harvest practices to streamline permitting will be the subject of a free half-day workshop hosted by the Mattole Restoration Council (MRC) and Sonoma Land Trust. To be held Thursday, November 17, from 1–5 pm at the Finley Community Center. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust purchases key Glen Ellen property for steelhead restoration and park
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., July 28, 2011
The Sonoma Land Trust has big plans for a small property it has just acquired near the intersection of Highway 12 and Arnold Drive in Glen Ellen. Thanks to a generous supporter who was willing to lend the Land Trust the purchase amount, the Land Trust was able to move quickly to acquire the 3.53-acre property called “Stuart Creek Run.” Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust secures easements on two significant properties
Total protected acreage tops 26,000
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., May 16, 2011
Currently the second largest landowner in the county, the Sonoma Land Trust recently added two more conservation easements to its portfolio of protected lands. Both acquisitions are significant, in part, because they are adjacent to other protected properties and further the Land Trust’s goal of linking properties to create habitat connectivity for native species. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust welcomes new program director to expand its “on-the-land” offerings for the public
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., April 19, 2011
Sheri Lubin has been hired to serve as Sonoma Land Trust’s director of public programs and education. This new position was created to lead the organization’s efforts to connect more adults and children with the land, foster an appreciation for the scenic landscapes and biodiversity of Sonoma County, and expand the Land Trust’s volunteer network and relationships with local conservation organizations and businesses. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust publishes coastal prairie herbarium book for Estero Americano Preserve
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., March 31, 2011
The Sonoma Land Trust is pleased to announce the release of the 2011 edition of the Herbarium Book for the Estero Americano Preserve, a property located near the town of Bodega in southwest Sonoma County. The book displays plant specimens for more than 130 species that occur on the coastal grassland preserve as well as in the surrounding region. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust names Alexander Valley venture capital advisor as new board chair
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., March 17, 2011
W. Denman (Denny) Van Ness of Geyserville and San Francisco has been named chair of the Sonoma Land Trust board of directors. Van Ness, a former Navy lieutenant who holds an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, is principal of Hidden Hill Advisors, which provides advice and support to venture capital investors and emerging growth companies. Read press release
Lovely 572-acre Live Oaks Ranch in the Mayacamas bequeathed to Sonoma Land Trust
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., February 11, 2011
When Marie Rogers passed away in 2009, she left a will designating the Sonoma Land Trust as the beneficiary of her beloved Live Oaks Ranch — 572 stunning acres straddling the Sonoma-Napa County line in Knights Valley. Read press release
Former California Coastal Conservancy official joins Sonoma Land Trust board
SANTA ROSA, CALIF., January 13, 2011
Neal Fishman, a native of Sonoma County and recently retired from his post as chief deputy executive officer of the California State Coastal Conservancy (scc.ca.gov), has joined the board of directors of the Sonoma Land Trust (sonomalandtrust.org). Read press release
Carneros Land Stewardship Foundation and Sonoma Land Trust partner to restore Tolay Creek riparian habitat
December 9, 2010
The Carneros Land Stewardship Foundation and the Sonoma Land Trust have partnered in a multi-year initiative to restore the native habitat along 2.5 miles of Tolay Creek adjacent to Highway 121 near the southern border of Carneros. The project is expected to restore the ecological functioning of Tolay Creek and also provide youth education and job training. Read press release
Celebrating the protection of the Jenner Headlands and introducing The Wildlands Conservancy as the future landowner
April 24, 2010
More than 200 people representing more than 20 organizations involved in the five-year campaign to protect the 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands celebrated with the Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) today on the spectacular coastal property. This nationally significant project closed escrow in December and is the single largest conservation land acquisition in Sonoma County. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust protects scenic Bennett Valley property and wildlife corridor
February 9, 2010
A stunning 34-acre property on the northern flank of Sonoma Mountain is now permanently protected with a conservation easement thanks to a generous donation by landowners Peter and Kathy Drake. Located at the southern end of rural Bennett Valley, the property boasts sweeping views of the Mayacamas Mountains and Annadel State Park, and is situated in an important wildlife habitat corridor between Annadel and Jack London State Parks, a priority for conservation. Read press release
The Jenner Headlands — protected forever!
Sonoma Land Trust acquires iconic coastal property
December 17, 2009
After a five-year quest, and in spite of significant hurdles related to California’s economic crisis, the Sonoma Land Trust closed escrow today and acquired the stunning 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands — a nationally significant project and the single largest conservation land acquisition in Sonoma County. This $36 million purchase was completed due to the extraordinary efforts and collaboration of 10 public and private funding partners. Read press release
One Step Closer to Protecting Jenner Headlands Forever
Board approves $11.1 million District expenditure for historic acquisition
November 3, 2009
As a next step in the preservation of the 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands coastal property, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, acting as the District’s Board of Directors, approved the expenditure of $10,150,000 to allow the District to fund approximately one third of the $36 million acquisition, and an additional $1,000,000 toward the restoration, public access improvements and management of the property. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust hires Paul DeMarco as new finance director
October 7, 2009
Paul DeMarco has been hired to be the new director of finance and administration for the Sonoma Land Trust, effective November 30. He will replace Lois Downy, who has served in this role for nine years and plans to retire. Read press release
Jean Schulz offers $2 million matching gift to Sonoma Land Trust
Gift advances $18 million land protection campaign
September 16, 2009
Local philanthropist Jean Schulz has offered the Sonoma Land Trust a $2 million matching gift to advance the Land Trust’s recently announced $18 million fundraising campaign, Redwoods to the Bay: Saving Sonoma County’s Signature Landscapes. This pledge, which must be matched dollar for dollar, will bring the total amount raised thus far to $10.3 million. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust launches $18 million campaign to accelerate pace of land conservation in Sonoma County
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation contributes $6 million lead gift
August 27, 2009
From now through the end of 2010, the Sonoma Land Trust plans to raise $18 million to protect and connect remaining large, at-risk open spaces within Sonoma County. Redwoods to the Bay: Saving Sonoma County’s Signature Landscapes is an ambitious fundraising campaign to keep Sonoma County’s landscapes intact, develop a network of protected lands, preserve the county’s rural character, enhance recreational and environmental education opportunities, and create a legacy of open lands for future generations to enjoy and cherish. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust taps venture capitalist as new board chair
April 6, 2009
Mark P. Jacobsen has been named chair of the Sonoma Land Trust board of directors. Jacobsen is the managing director and co-founder of O'Reilly AlphaTech Ventures (OATV), a seed-stage venture fund affiliated with O'Reilly Media in Sebastopol. “I am motivated by the urgency of the Sonoma Land Trust’s mission “to protect the land forever," said Jacobsen. “The natural beauty of Sonoma County is unsurpassed — and is threatened by development pressures that give us only a 10–20 year window to fulfill this goal.” Read press release
Ranch at 2,463-foot summit of Sonoma Mountain to be protected
Sonoma Land Trust, Open Space District, Coastal Conservancy partner to purchase 283-acre Sonoma Mountain Ranch for $9,950,000. Acquisition offers trails, scenic views, diverse habitats, watershed protection
December 9, 2008
The Sonoma Land Trust and Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District have signed an agreement to purchase the 283-acre Sonoma Mountain Ranch at the summit of Sonoma Mountain for $9,950,000 by the end of the year. Nestled in the middle of a complex of protected lands, and buttressed by Jack London State Historic Park to the east and Fairfield Osborn Preserve to the west, this acquisition is key to creating a long-awaited public trail across the top of the mountain. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust brings lawsuit over conservation easement violations to successful conclusion
Ranch along Highway 37 will remain in agriculture
National land trust community watched case closely
October 29, 2008
After a three-year lawsuit with the owners of the 528-acre Lower Ranch (also known as Carneros River Ranch) along Highway 37 near San Pablo Bay, the Sonoma Land Trust is pleased to announce a successful settlement that upholds the agricultural conservation easement on the property, pays the Land Trust’s legal fees, and ensures that the landowner’s activities will protect the agricultural resources on the property. Read press release
Deal signed to acquire and protect Jenner Headlands
Sonoma Land Trust and Open Space District partner to preserve 5,630 acres on Sonoma Coast. Sonoma Land Trust agrees to manage property
October 9, 2008
The Sonoma Land Trust has signed an agreement to purchase the 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands for $36 million, the single largest conservation land acquisition in Sonoma County. Read press release
Eat right off the farm at Slow Food benefit for Sonoma Land Trust
Chef John McReynolds to cook up “heaping platters of food” at Oak Hill Farm
July 31, 2008
Dinner doesn’t get any fresher or more flavorful than when the vegetables have been picked ripe from the fields that very day — and you’re dining at the farm itself! To celebrate farmers, the land and summer’s bounty, John McReynolds, former owner and chef of Café LaHaye in Sonoma, will create a special Slow Food dinner on the evening of the full moon of Monday, September 15, at Oak Hill Farm (14805 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen). An optional farm tour will begin at 5 pm; dinner will be served at 6:30 pm in the White Barn, with live music to follow. Tickets cost $80 per person or $70 plus one used kitchen knife for Slow Food members (knives will be sharpened and donated to the Sonoma Community Center kitchen). Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Sonoma Land Trust and the Sonoma Community Center. Read press release
Sonoma Land Trust Celebrates Food & Land at Slow Food Nation
Slow Dinner and Slow Hike invite people to connect taste and terroir
July 31, 2008
Among the many offerings at Slow Food Nation, the unprecedented event paying homage to sustainably raised local and seasonal food, will be a Slow Dinner at Aziza Restaurant in San Francisco and a Slow Hike at the Sonoma Baylands, both put on by the Sonoma Land Trust. Protecting agricultural lands from development is part of the Land Trust’s mission, and both the Slow Hike and Slow Dinner will stir the senses and cultivate an appreciation for the bounty and beauty of Sonoma County. Read press release
Tax incentive renewed for landowners who donate conservation easements
Second incentive will help recover endangered wildlife
June 25, 2008
The Farm Bill passed last month by Congress renewed a conservation tax incentive, authored by North Bay Congressman Mike Thompson, that helps maintain family farms and ranches and protects natural lands for future generations. This incentive has been responsible for the preservation of more than one million acres across the country over the previous two years and is available to landowners who donate voluntary conservation agreements limiting their development rights to land trust organizations. Read press release
SLT Secures Two Grants for Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Interpretive Center at Sears Point
March 17, 2008
The Sonoma Land Trust and Sonoma County Regional Parks are the recipients of a $1 million federal grant through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) to fund construction of two major wildlife habitat restoration projects in the North Bay. Read press release
To read earlier press releases, click here.
