Politics & Government

Open Space Project Nears Completion

Paula Lane Preserve will offer public access trail, viewing platforms and educational programs

A project to convert 11 acres of private land into a public preserve in West Petaluma is nearing completion, according to City Manager John Brown.

The Paula Lane Nature Preserve, located off Bodega on Paula Lane, will offer a public access trail, educational programs and wildlife-viewing areas overlooking seasonal wetlands and grasslands when it opens.

So far, the purchase and sale agreement have been completed, signed and submitted to the Sonoma County Open Space District, which the city and supporters hope will be completed by the end of the year. 

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The project is a long awaited one for the Paula Lane Action Network (PLAN), a group organized in 2001 to defeat then-proposed residential development of the property.

"It is a model for achieving good things, as well as sustainability, during tough economic times - the City will benefit from using it more," said Susan Kirks, a PLAN board member. 

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The preserve is located in one of Petaluma's oldest agricultural communities and includes the Pauli family farmhouse, which dates back to 1897. There are also five small farms on Paula Lane, covering almost 25 acres. The area is also recognized for abundant wildlife such as badgers and red hawk.

 

Check out a video of some of the plants and wildlife found at the preserve. 


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