1990s
Amid a booming population, SLT hit its stride
In the 15 years since Sonoma Land Trust’s founding, rapid growth powered by the dot-com boom reshaped Sonoma County as its population grew nearly 50%, from approx. 260k to 390k.
Conserved
Several years after opening its first office space, Sonoma Land Trust hired its first Executive Director, Dan Schurman. The former head of San Francisco Food Bank served in the role until 1994.
Sonoma County voters approved two major measures: the establishment of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, and a ¼ cent sales tax to make its work possible.
Development plans for a “new city” at Highway 37 and Lakeville Highway collided with SLT’s vision for the Baylands. SLT acquired key properties, highlighting the critical importance of the wetlands.
The levee at the Sonoma Baylands, on the Leonard-Wagner Ranch acquisition, was breached, allowing tidal waters back into 313 acres of formerly subsided land.
The first coastal property protected by SLT sits on the Marin county border in the heart of the Pacific Flyway. It home to rare coastal prairie grasses and wildlife species.
Keep Exploring!