Marin Open Space Trust (MOST) is devoted to helping save more than 15,000 acres of critical open space area in Marin. Many parts of Marin are protected only by regulatory control, which can change over time. Many key parcels are are in private hands and are available for purchase from time to time, and until MOST was formed, Marin has lacked a private non-profit land trust set up to fund the purchase of such key open space.

FLASH - BayWood Artists show October 19 to November 20 to benefit Marin's open spaces!

       See www.baywoodartists.com/Marin_Open_Space.html

Marin has a number of valuable open space areas under threat, and that provide such benefits as: biological diversity, habitat protection, trail connections, scenic or recreational value, protection of property values, and many more. The original open space measure approved by the voters of Marin which created the Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) foresaw a total of some 28,000 acres of permanent open space in Marin County, of which MCOSD has now protected some 15,500 acres, leaving some 13,500 acres at risk, a figure which does not include areas targeted for preservation by local groups. MCOSD does not have the funding it needs to protect these remaining threatened acres.

MCOSD has done a fabulous job acquiring priority open space parcels but it needs help in raising acquisition monies, just as the smaller local town-based groups around Marin also need help in raising money to fulfill their open space plans. MCOSD and smaller local groups need assistance in acquiring and preserving these lands and MOST will be raising money to help acquire these properties and provide for their proper stewardship.

MOST can raise funds that would not otherwise be available to civic or governmental groups and in that way leverage public monies to stretch the acquisition efforts of both MCOSD and the various local open space districts. MOST can appeal to private donors like you and will also be building a network of local groups and residents who care about conserving these critical open space areas in Marin.

Land prices have escalated sharply in Marin and there are critical gaps in the open space framework that should properly be closed through the purchase of additional lands to provide key linkages to existing preserves. Closing these gaps will ensure the best possible protection for our watersheds, wildlife habitats and corridors. MOST is the organization that will ensure these gaps are closed!!!

Call 415-884-2270 for more info or email us at postmaster@marinopenspacetrust.org