Coming together for the land
When Jennifer Haas was exploring the purchase of a property in Bennett Valley, she had never heard of a conservation easement. That quickly changed when she learned that half of the property she was hoping to purchase was protected by an easement–a permanent, voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and, in this case, Sonoma Land Trust, that protects identified conservation values on the land by restricting certain uses and activities. A nature lover with deep family roots in the area, Jennifer was thrilled and eager to learn more about the conservation tool and what her role could be in stewarding the land.
This was welcome news for current Stewardship Director Kyle Pinjuv, who at the time was serving as Conservation Easement Program Manager for SLT and was deeply embroiled in a contentious lawsuit surrounding violations of the terms of the easement by former owners. After purchasing the property in 2013 with full knowledge of the restrictions of the conservation easement, the former owners hired contractors with heavy equipment to excavate three heritage oak trees located on the protected property and drag the trees through shallow and sensitive soils to enhance the landscape of their new home on the adjacent parcel; a severe and egregious violation of the easement. Additional harm resulted from bulldozing a 1/3-mile road cut to haul the trees, killing and removing 12 more trees in the process, and dumping pond sediment laden with invasive weeds onto the protected property.
In 2019, after a lengthy court battle, a superior court judge upheld Sonoma Land Trust’s authority to protect natural resources through conservation easements. Jennifer bought the property shortly after the judgment was passed and from the very onset, along with partner Scott Sporte, they were champions of restoration and stewardship of the land. They even named the property Three Oaks Farm as a tribute to the three heritage oak trees that had been uprooted and killed by the previous owners.
The couple shared, “We were thrilled to see how fierce Sonoma Land Trust wanted to be about reinforcing what it means to take care of the land with an easement in place.” Jennifer and Scott were in full support of the restoration work that would need to happen. During the planning phases of the restoration, they say it was a little heartbreaking to see the land continue to degrade and get further away from what it was meant to be, but the improvements they’ve seen since restoration work began, especially in the last year and a half, have been astounding. Speaking about the road that was illegally carved into the earth along the entire length of the property, Scott says while standing at their home and looking up the hill, “If you didn’t know where it used to be, you wouldn’t know there was a road there. The boulders have been replaced, the grass is coming in, and we’re also noticing changes in drainage–water used to run straight down the hill and pool, but now it’s refilling the seasonal pond, flowing down into smaller ponds below and then into the waterway.”
This staggering transformation is a result of collaboration between the Land Trust and trusted contractors Prunuske Chatham, Inc., who, despite the extreme level of damage, were able to engineer the landscape back into nearly its state prior to the violation. A highlight for Jennifer was the approach to restoring the trees: “They collected acorns and used those to try and re-plant. It has been an interesting science experiment to see what takes and what needs a little more love, hopefully with a light touch so it’s sustainable into the future.”
Jennifer and Scott were also taken by the impact of watching so many people come together to heal the land, which they’re seeing the benefits of season after season. They’ve eagerly taken on the responsibility of conservation easement landowners and are quick to highlight the benefits of easements as a conservation tool, Jennifer sharing, “We’re on this earth for just a short period of time, but while we’re here we’re stewards of the land and we need to make sure it continues to flourish even when we’re gone. A conservation easement ensures that can happen for whole ecosystems.” Jennifer and Scott have enjoyed watching birds as they migrate along the flyway every year and have seen river otters visit their property every November!
Scott highlights the importance of habitat connectivity, noting that the ponds and waterways on their property are connected to other lakes and ponds and waterways, providing the opportunity for wildlife to move freely and thrive across the county. He shares, “It has been interesting to see the effects of restoring this land alongside other conservation efforts, for example, the acquisition of the Sonoma Mountain Vernal Pools property down the street, and knowing that when we drive around the county and see the Sonoma Land Trust signs, we’re part of it, this network of protected lands.”
Jennifer and Scott are invested in long-term land conservation, especially as pressures increase from climate impacts and expanded urban development. That’s why they see conservation easements as an instrumental tool: “As land changes ownership or is passed down, people may not be thinking about keeping it all together to preserve that connectivity so nature can thrive.” Jennifer underscores the importance of not separating ourselves from the environment: “We must fundamentally shift how we’re thinking; my hope is that all people value their connection to nature and their role as part of the ecosystem.”
They feel deeply connected to this land and say now that the restoration of their property is complete, “We can go out on walks and hikes from deep in the vineyard to broad and gorgeous views from the top of the property towards Sonoma Valley. We’re lucky to access all of that from our home where we feel so grounded, and this land will thrive for generations to come.”
A Force for Nature: Teddy Guenin and Claire Coleman
Immediately upon moving to Santa Rosa in July 2021, Teddy Guenin and Claire Coleman knew they found the community they were looking for. The young couple relocated from San Francisco, where they had lived for several years while establishing their careers–private capital finance for Teddy and local government finance for Claire. As nature lovers looking for somewhere to settle and start their family, Sonoma County seemed like a place they should try. Their instincts were spot on, Teddy sharing “on day one, we knew this was what we were looking for.”
Since moving to Sonoma County, the couple has kept their love of the outdoors, describing themselves as “decently outdoorsy”, enjoying camping on the weekends, hiking, and cycling for Teddy. Claire says the Armstrong Redwoods is her favorite place to visit in the county, sharing “Redwoods feel like home to me, so I spend as much time in them as possible, though it’s never enough.”
Claire’s mother worked for California State Parks during her childhood, so she’s no stranger to the state’s protected public lands. She says she spent a lot of time hanging out in ranger stations with her sister and exploring nature while her mom was working. Teddy was also immersed in nature from a young age but on the opposite side of the country. Growing up in Central Pennsylvania, he spent a lot of time playing in the woods near his house, backpacking, and learning about wilderness medicine.
While Claire has been familiar with the California conservation landscape her whole life, Teddy’s job, among other focus areas, has given him the opportunity to learn more about conservation financing and interesting, creative ways to permanently protect land. Claire shares that giving is a huge part of their family and practice, with the goal of giving intentionally and finding organizations that match their values. Claire was aware of Sonoma Land Trust through her relationship with State Parks, knowing the organization’s partnership with the agency was strong. Teddy had seen an announcement about the protection of the Jenner Headlands and the story of the Land Trust’s involvement online, and it sparked his interest in our work.
The couple share that joining as members felt like the easiest way to stay up to date, support the organization’s work, and learn more. Since nature and environmental protection are core values of theirs, they felt that supporting Sonoma Land Trust was a way to both become more engaged in their community and have an impact on a bigger level.
Claire and Teddy are excited about high-profile community projects like the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway, but Teddy also names conservation easements and forest management as areas of our work that are interesting to him. He understands that protecting the land is just step one, and then it needs to be actively managed through restoration and stewardship. He says, “Announcing an acquisition feels like the ‘big shiny thing,’ but then you have the land long-term and the promise to take care of it in perpetuity.”
Claire names the Land Trust’s partnership model and collaborative approach to conservation as important to our success: “You’re not an island, you’re working with so many groups and organizations, from tribes to state and county agencies and more. Managing those partnerships and relationships is so important.” She highlights, the benefits to the community when Sonoma Land Trust transfer properties to Regional and State Parks, creating more open space and access to nature for our community.
Claire and Teddy are looking toward the future and the impacts the work we’re doing today will have for generations. They’re expecting their first child in Spring 2025 and ask themselves what they want the Sonoma County of the future to look like for their kids. Pointing to a map of protected lands in Sonoma County, Teddy says “I would like to see 50% of that map green (protected).” (So would we, Teddy!)
We were fortunate to spend time with Teddy and Claire during our Member Appreciation Day at Laufenburg Ranch Preserve, and they shared they were thrilled to see so many kids and families in attendance. Claire says, “We’re building our family now and we’re excited to come back next year and the year after, bringing our kids. I’d love to get my parents to join as well!”
Save the Date: Giving Tuesday is December 2!
December 3, 2024 marks Giving Tuesday, a day that represents a global generosity movement that seeks to reimagine a world built upon shared humanity. Join us in celebrating this special day, and honor the beauty and ecological diversity of Sonoma County by donating to Sonoma Land Trust.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors CJ Johnson and Rick Theis, Duncan Higgons, and Scott Hafner and Bill Glenn, every dollar you contribute will be doubled up to $100,000 on Giving Tuesday!
Give to Sonoma Land Trust knowing that we have a track record of more than four decades of successfully protecting the land and water of Sonoma County. Our matching donors say it best:
“We have supported Sonoma Land Trust since its very early days, when even then it was a national leader in the land trust movement. We continue to be inspired by the Land Trust’s work protecting so many beautiful and ecologically important parts of our county,” say CJ and Rick. “We know how important an annual gift to Sonoma Land Trust is to help them plan ahead to further their work.”
The wilderness around us is rapidly disappearing, and we find ourselves at a critical juncture. Duncan Higgons emphasizes, “I support the Sonoma Land Trust because of its systematic science-based approach to conserving land. It includes all the people of Sonoma County in its mission.”
For others, it’s the breadth of our work that inspires them to support. “From the serene Jenner Headlands to the vibrant Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway, the impact of Sonoma Land Trust stretches far and wide,” Scott Hafner and Bill Glenn note, “Everyone in Sonoma benefits!”
This Giving Tuesday, your donation can make an even greater difference. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a first-time donor, your gift today will help secure a future for the county we cherish.
Together, we can ensure that future generations will enjoy and benefit from the natural beauty and resilience of Sonoma County.
Thank you for being a steward of Sonoma’s natural treasures!
Apunte la fecha: el 2 de diciembre es el Martes de Donaciones
El 2 de diciembre de 2024 se celebra el Martes de Donaciones (Giving Tuesday): un día que representa un movimiento global de generosidad con la intención de reimaginar un mundo creado con la humanidad compartida. Únase a nosotros en la celebración de este día especial y honre la belleza y la diversidad ecológica del condado de Sonoma a través de una donación a Sonoma Land Trust.
Gracias a la generosidad de nuestros donantes CJ Johnson y Rick Theis, Duncan Higgons, y Scott Hafner y Bill Glenn, ¡cada dólar que Usted aporte se duplicará hasta 100.000 dólares este Martes de Donaciones!
Done a Sonoma Land Trust con el conocimiento que tenemos una historia de más de cuatro décadas de proteger con éxito la tierra y el agua del condado de Sonoma. Nuestros donantes lo dicen mejor que nadie:
“Hemos apoyado a Sonoma Land Trust desde sus inicios, cuando ya entonces era un líder nacional en el movimiento de fideicomisos de tierras. Todavía nos inspira el trabajo de Sonoma Land Trust, un esfuerzo que protege tantas zonas hermosas y ecológicamente importantes de nuestro condado”, dicen CJ y Rick. “Sabemos lo importante que es una donación anual a Sonoma Land Trust para ayudarlo a planificar el futuro de su trabajo”.
Los espacios naturales que nos rodean están desapareciendo rápidamente y nos encontramos en un momento crítico. Duncan Higgons enfatiza: “Apoyo al Sonoma Land Trust por su enfoque sistemático basado en la ciencia para conservar la tierra. La organización incluye a todos los habitantes del condado de Sonoma en su misión”.
Para otros, es la amplitud de nuestro trabajo lo que les inspira a apoyar. “Desde los serenos Promontorios de Jenner (Jenner Headlands) hasta la dinámica Vía Verde Sureste de Santa Rosa (Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway), el impacto de Sonoma Land Trust es amplio”, señalan Scott Hafner y Bill Glenn. “¡Todo el mundo en Sonoma se beneficia!”.
Este Martes de Donaciones, su donación puede marcar una diferencia aún mayor. Tanto si lleva mucho tiempo colaborando con nosotros como si es la primera vez que lo hace, su donación de hoy ayudará a garantizar el futuro del condado que tanto apreciamos.
Juntos podemos garantizar que las futuras generaciones disfruten y se beneficien de la belleza natural y la resiliencia del condado de Sonoma.
¡Gracias por ser un gestor y protector de los tesoros naturales de Sonoma!
An impactful way to positively impact local conservation is to leave a gift to Sonoma Land Trust in your will or trust—it costs nothing today but secures a lasting legacy. Generous donors are challenging you to join our Legacy League by committing a future gift to Sonoma Land Trust.
When you notify us of a new or existing commitment, Dianne Brinson and Mark Radcliffe will donate $1,000 for each new commitment, up to $30,000, to fund critical projects happening now.
It’s as simple as 1-2-3:
- Complete this form to inform us of your plans or interest.
- We will provide any information or referrals you may need to help you complete your planned gift.
- Notify Planned Giving Manager Camille Matson when your gift intention is complete, and a $1,000 donation will be made to Sonoma Land Trust in your honor.
Your planned gift will help preserve Sonoma County’s unique landscapes for future generations. Together, we can ensure our children and grandchildren experience the beauty and benefits our natural lands provide today and tomorrow.
Investing in nature
Thanks to your advocacy and support, we’re thrilled to announce that Proposition 4 was passed last week, with a majority vote of 58%! This is a huge win for nature, and California will now have the funding we need to achieve our climate and biodiversity goals.
For the last few months, we’ve been hard at work alongside a coalition of conservation organizations and groups across the state to ensure Prop. 4 received the support it needed to pass.
Free Language of the Land Webinars
Language of the Land: Dragonflies of California
Did you know there are 73 species of dragonflies in California alone? Join Sonoma Land Trust for a presentation by authors Kathy Biggs and Sandra von Arb on the dragonflies of California. We’ll learn about where they live, what kinds of habitat they require, and other interesting things about the lives of dragonflies. This talk highlights key information found in their new book, Dragonflies of California.
Nov 20, 6:30pm
Watch On Demand: Environmental Justice and Climate Change
In this webinar, health and equity planner Beatriz Guerrero Auna addresses the intersection of climate change, health, and social equity, highlighting successful strategies to empower equity priority communities and foster sustainable urban environments.
Free outings
Join us out in nature this month! In addition to our monthly bilingual Familias al Aire Libre/Families Outdoors outing, we’re hosting a series of weekend hikes across the county, and raptor walks with California Certified naturalist Larry Broderick are in full swing!
Many of these hikes are in partnership with Sonoma County Ag + Open Space.
This month, our philanthropy team is sharing their favorite local businesses and products that would make excellent gifts for the holiday season!
Camille:
- Sister Julie’s Olive Oil – Not only is it delicious, but this olive oil comes from a farm with a Sonoma Land Trust conservation easement! My mom gives me a bottle every year in my Christmas stocking.
- Ryme Cellars Classics Gift Set – Megan, one of the winemakers, went to school with my husband. Their winery is in Forestville and they make delicious wine!
Grace:
- McEvoy Ranch – This local ranch known for their olive oil has an extensive collection of gift baskets with edible and home products. You can also buy olive oil tasting gift certificates!
- Refill Mercantile – This Petaluma shop has everything from kitchen products to skincare, and everything is zero- or low-waste!
Shannon:
- BeCause Brand Co. – This sustainable design studio in Cotati creates beautiful and accurate illustrations of wildlife and plants you can purchase on clothing, tea towels, and more. I’ve ordered four shirts and sweatshirts and they’re great quality!
Erin:
- Lala’s Jams – I love their jam! It’s not too sweet, is very fruit-forward, and there are so many creative flavors to try.
- Tilted Shed – This local cidery is very close to my house in Windsor, and I love supporting them. It’s amazing to see all the delicious things that come from our local apple orchards.
Melissa:
- The Hello Shops: This woman-owned and run shop has something for everyone, including kids and babies. They have locations in Penngrove and Sonoma.
- The gift that keeps on giving and doesn’t require any wrapping paper – a gift of membership to Sonoma Land Trust!