50th Celebration field trips retell history

Sonoma Land Trust Invites Public and Press Behind the Scenes for Its 50th Celebration April 8, 2025, SANTA ROSA, Calif. — This year, Sonoma Land Trust celebrates 50 years of protecting the lands and waters that sustain Sonoma County and invites the public and press to experience that work like never before. Through a dynamic series of field trips, webinars, and community events, Sonoma Land Trust invites audiences beyond the headlines into the heart of conservation, providing rare, behind-the-scenes access to the people, places, and processes shaping the region’s future. “Fifty years ago, a small group of visionaries came together to protect the landscapes we all depend on,” said Executive Director Eamon O’Byrne. “Today, we’re inviting our community and members of the press to step into that story, to see firsthand how conservation happens, and why it matters now more than ever.” A Rare Look Inside Conservation in Action Unlike traditional milestone celebrations that mark the end of an era, Sonoma Land Trust’s 50th year centers the people, places, and projects that make up those 50 years with an eye towards the future, with a vision for the next 50. The organization has designed a variety of opportunities focused on access and transparency, creating opportunities to witness conservation work up close. Throughout the year, the organization will host: • Guided field trips to protected lands, restoration sites, and future park spaces—offering intimate, on-the-ground experiences of projects that are typically out of public view. Attendees may walk through tidal wetlands adapting to sea-level rise, explore wildfire-resilient forests, or visit emerging urban green spaces designed for community access. • “Language of the Land” webinars, a popular virtual series that brings scientists, land stewards, and partners together to share insights on topics like climate resilience, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions. These conversations connect local work to global challenges, making complex science accessible and engaging. • Storytelling – Collecting stories from the community in an easy-to-use form that invites anyone to share their Sonoma Land Trust story and submit photos to be included in their celebratory social media posts and enewsletter communications. Together, these experiences provide a layered understanding of conservation from policy and planning to planting and monitoring, revealing the long-term commitment behind every protected acre. Telling the Story Behind the Acres Over five decades, Sonoma Land Trust has protected more than 63,000 acres across Sonoma County. But this milestone year shifts the focus from numbers to narratives. Each event is designed to highlight the human stories behind the work: the partnerships that make large-scale restoration possible, the science guiding decisions, and the communities who benefit from access to nature. Participants will gain insight into efforts such as restoring tidal wetlands along San Pablo Bay to buffer against sea-level rise, advancing wildlife corridors across Highway 12, and expanding access to nature through parks and community spaces. An Invitation to Experience “Connected by Nature” Anchored by the anniversary theme, Connected by Nature, this year-long celebration emphasizes the deep connections between people, land, water, and wildlife and invites others to be part of that connection. Members of the press are encouraged to attend field trips, join webinars, and engage directly with Sonoma Land Trust staff and partners for a deeper understanding of how conservation work unfolds over time. “This is more than a look back,” O’Byrne added. “It’s an invitation to witness the future we’re building—together.” Event Information Field trips and webinars will take place throughout 2026. Media interested in attending or arranging interviews are encouraged to contact Sonoma Land Trust for schedules, access, and story opportunities. Spring Field Trips (SOLD OUT – Press to contact gina@sonomalandtrust.org to attend): 1. 50th Anniversary Field Trip – Origins: Sonoma Valley Saturday, April 25, 10am-4pm 2. 50th Anniversary Field Trip – Freshwater Flows: Mark West Creek Saturday, May 9, 10am-4pm 3. 50th Anniversary Field Trip – Adapting to Rising Waters: San Pablo Baylands Saturday, June 13, 10am-4pm Webinar Miniseries in April: (registration required for Zoom link to attend. Recordings will be posted on YouTube @SonomaLandTrust) 1. An Environmental History of the Bay Area – RECORDING ON YOUTUBE @SonomaLandTrust Presenter: David D. Schmidt, Author Zoom Webinar Wednesday, April 8, 7pm-8:30pm 2. First Fifty Years – Sonoma Land Trust Stories - RECORDING ON YOUTUBE @SonomaLandTrust Presenter: Arthur Dawson, Local Historian Zoom webinar Wednesday, April 15, 7pm-8:30pm 3. Sonoma Valley: Preserving a Wildlife Corridor - RECORDING ON YOUTUBE @SonomaLandTrust Presenter: Chris Carlson, Stewardship Program Manager Zoom webinar Wednesday, April 22, 7pm-8:30pm 4. San Pablo Baylands: Transforming a Landscape - RECORDING ON YOUTUBE @SonomaLandTrust Presenter: Julian Meisler, Associate Stewardship Director Zoom webinar Wednesday, April 29, 7pm-8:30pm