Preserving Our Farmland

At Bennett Valley Land Trust, we are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of our region. Through sustainable practices and community engagement, we aim to protect our local ecosystems for future generations.

Sonoma has a rich history of agricultural efforts, that have changed over time according to demand and innovation. Many old farming practices were rooted in sustainability and common sense, where farms could support themselves and operate in harmony with the existing flora and fauna, minimizing displacement of wildlife while nurturing the natural resources of soil, water, crops and utilizing unique microcosms according to weather and conditions.

Bennett Valley Land Trust believes that the artifacts of agricultural efforts is an integral part of the community and its ethos, and that their preservation stand as historical monuments of the unique cultural heritage of the region and its community. 

Bennett Valley Land Trust is a private organization funded solely by its private landowners with their laborious and keen interest in restoring and maintaining this cultural heritage.

The current project consists of restoring a historic ranch from 1895 in Bennett Valley that has laid inactive for decades, that comprises a dairy, a smith shop, a nut production facility, and various outbuildings for different antiquated purposes which are sought restored for their historical value. The ranch has numerous unique tools and equipment dating back to old days of farming that are being restored as well for teaching purposes and to remain as museum pieces throughout the property. Our goal is that their preservation can remain as a testament to history of the ranch and the community it served. Once completed the ranch will be open to visiting tours for educational purposes.