Misti Arias
General Manager, Ag + Open Space

I have been a part of Ag + Open Space for nearly 30 of its 35 years of existence, working my way from an entry level Technician to the General Manager. I can proudly say that our organization has evolved over the years along with the priorities and needs of our community.

We wholeheartedly understand that it is only because of the foresight and generosity of our community that we can permanently conserve natural and working lands throughout Sonoma County. We feel incredibly grateful to be entrusted with that vision, and that is why it is critical that we strive to meet the varied needs of our diverse community in our land conservation actions.

Land is the foundation for human and natural communities. Protected lands can adapt to and serve as a buffer in extreme weather events; benefit peoples’ mental and physical health; ensure the survival of wildlife and balanced ecosystems; create and sustain character in our communities; support and revitalize our economy; and provide the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.

Throughout my time at Ag + Open Space, we have added over 100,000 acres of agriculturally productive, scenic, and natural land to our conservation portfolio. These lands include Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, Jenner Headlands Preserve, Porterfield Creek Trails Open Space Preserve, Sonoma Overlook Trail and Tolay Lake Regional Park. We have also expanded smaller urban green spaces such as Andy’s Unity Park, Nathanson Creek and the Southeast Santa Rosa Greenway. Ag + Open Space has been involved in conserving tens of thousands of acres of wilderness and has worked with a number of local farms and ranches to ensure the longevity of local agriculture.

As we reflect on 35 amazing years of land conservation, we recognize that there is still so much work to be done. We have important initiatives to expand our outreach and open space opportunities to black, indigenous, people of color, youth and the queer communities. Our passionate team is dedicated to expand these public outreach efforts and land conservation initiatives throughout the County.

We are energized to build upon work of the past 35 years and inspire the next generation who will steward this land through their lifetime.