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Ecological Stewardship

Sandy Loam’s approach to land and property stewardship is inspired by the idea that human wellbeing and our environment are inextricably intertwined, and that our relationship with agriculture and nature is grounded in care and reciprocity. Our holistic approach integrates agriculture and ecology with human needs and cultural values to foster more sustainable and resilient systems.

We offer public and nonprofit partners integrated land stewardship management along with custom program design and implementation. Our stewardship and community programs are intentionally multifunctional: for example, a culinary garden that supports livelihoods education; a thriving pollinator hedgerow that advances ecological education; or a summer camp that provides essential childcare while fostering environmental stewardship and resilience. Our ultimate goal is to strengthen public systems while meeting the evolving needs of our community.

Named after Veronda-Falletti Ranch’s fertile soil, Sandy Loam operates the beloved farm as an urban demonstration farm and an educational & cultural center. Our goal is to align the management of the land to community priorities.

The intimate ranch house hosts a beautiful and newly renovated classroom and workspaces. The farm and garden areas facilitate a diverse range of guided and independent experiences, including caring for the Ranch’s land and farm animals. By emphasizing beauty and safety, we honor each visitor and student’s right to be in a deserving space and encourage them to respect our environment for all the gifts it provides us.

Veronda-Falletti Ranch is located in Cotati, California — in the heart of Sonoma County. Its population of 7,000 is diverse, active in civic participation and environmentally-minded. While Cotati is Sonoma County’s smallest incorporated town, it makes up for its diminutive physical size by having an outsized cultural and environmental presence.

Cotati’s citizens have a deep pride over its cultural and natural heritage, including of the city’s trees, waterways, wildlife and agriculture development through time. Today, a dense urban core hosts a multitude of vibrant community festivals, parks, community gardens, and many lovely pedestrian paths along creeks and other natural assets.

Learn about this heritage!

Creeks, Oaks & Roosters: The Natural History of Cotati, CA

Sandy Loam
175 West Sierra Ave
Cotati, CA 94931
t. 707-664-5347

info@sandyloam.org