Blog
July 2025 eNews
Back by popular demand: Five must-read stories
This month, we’re sharing a collection of our most popular stories from this year. From celebrating the return of Chinook salmon to understanding the reality of climate change, these stories stir the right mix of wonder, hope, preparedness, and community. Share these stories with your favorite hiking buddy or someone new to Sonoma Land Trust!
Top video – Why this Salmon made us cry
A heartfelt reminder of why local conservation matters. See how a restoration milestone at Stuart Creek came full circle with the return of the Chinook salmon.
Top post – A redwood refuge secured – 1,500 acres for parks
We’re acting locally (and thinking globally) by protecting 1,517 acres in the Monte Rio Redwoods. This acquisition will conserve the largest remaining unprotected acreage of redwoods in Sonoma County south of the Russian River. Thank you to everyone involved, including our partners at Save the Redwoods!
Top Webinar – Facing the future with Dr. Swain
Discover what climate scientist Dr. Daniel Swain has to say about “thirsty” atmospheres, mega-storms, and the critical infrastructure changes we need to adapt to a warming world. If you’re curious about what climate change may mean for Sonoma County, Dr. Swain provides key insights.
Top TV Broadcast – The mountain lions of Sonoma
Explore the lives of mountain lions with Dr. Quinton Martins from True Wild and our very own Melina Hammar! Melina also discusses how wildlife corridors are vital for connecting open space through urban pinch points.
A love of birds and land: why Annette and Craig Roth support Sonoma Land Trust
Annette and Craig Roth’s passion for birding runs deep—rooted in a shared love for nature and nurtured by a lifelong connection to Sonoma County. As dedicated bird watchers and long-time supporters of Sonoma Land Trust (SLT), the Roths embody how conservation and appreciation of wildlife go hand-in-hand.
“Birding has always been a passion of mine,” Craig shared, reflecting on how his wife quickly embraced it after they married nearly 40 years ago. “Both of us grew up in Sonoma County. It’s a great place for nature, and that’s one of the reasons, of course, why we’ve gravitated to the Sonoma Land Trust—so we can keep that going.”
The Roths are active members of the Redwood Region Ornithological Society, where Craig leads field trips and Annette serves as secretary. They recently returned from a birding trip to Southeast Arizona, where they spotted over 200 species—including the elf owl, the world’s smallest owl, and the striking elegant trogon. “Birding occurs in many forms,” said Craig. “Looking, listening, sitting beside a blind or even from a moving vehicle. It’s about immersing yourself in the environment.”
For the Roths, birding is more than a hobby—it’s a way to connect with others and with the landscape. “Birds are everywhere,” Craig noted. “They’re a great connector to nature… probably the best I’ve ever found.”
Their support for Sonoma Land Trust is a natural extension of their commitment to preserving habitats critical to birds and other wildlife. The couple first became involved with SLT through volunteer restoration work at the Tolay Creek and Sears Point Baylands. “Even before I was retired, I took days off work to volunteer,” Craig recalled. “Birds are habitat-oriented. If the stopover points on their migratory path aren’t safe or available, we risk losing entire populations.”
Annette and Craig have visited many of SLT’s protected properties, including Glen Oaks Ranch, the Jenner Headlands, and the Estero Americano. They appreciate the Trust’s focus on thoughtful land stewardship and its collaborative approach to conservation. “It’s exciting to visit these protected places,” said Annette. “Each one is unique and shows how important it is to safeguard different types of habitats—for birds and for people.”
Looking ahead, the Roths are excited about SLT’s efforts to acquire and preserve Hendron Ranch on the Sonoma coast. “We love birding on the coast, especially in winter,” said Craig. “To know SLT is protecting more of that land means a lot.”
“It’s all about legacy,” Craig explained. “We’re not going to be around forever, but we want the land—and the birds—to be here for future generations.”
As legacy donors, the Roths have included Sonoma Land Trust in their estate plans to ensure their love of birds and wild places lives on. “Through Sonoma Land Trust,” Craig said, “we can see the potential of the fruit of our labor. It’s not just for us—it’s for the future.”
Please join us in welcoming our new Communications Manager, Emily Harwitz. Emily brings a background in science, journalism, and multimedia storytelling to her role. Driven by her curiosity and love for nature, she is passionate about helping others build meaningful relationships with the world around them.
Free Language of the Land Webinars
Language of the Land: Bay Area Wildlife with Jeff Miller
As habitat loss and climate breakdown endanger ever more animal species, conservationist Jeff Miller and fellow Bay Area denizens embrace their local animal neighbors in this talk featuring his book, Bay Area Wildlife: An Irreverent Guide.
Free outings
Join us out in nature this month! In addition to our monthly bilingual Familias al Aire Libre/Families Outdoors outing, we are offering Wednesday evening nature journaling explorations centered on the Santa Rosa Creek watershed. Reconnect with nature, grow your observation skills, and develop a sense of place.
Many of these hikes are in partnership with Sonoma County Ag + Open Space.
The Gift of Good Land by Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry influenced the modern conservation land ethic. Chris Carlson appreciates how in this collection, Berry explores the interdependence, wholeness, and oneness of humans, animals, and the land. The seminal essays, written between 1978-1981, remain just as relevant today.
