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 Story – Bulldozed, but not forgotten
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.”
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.