Nestled in the western reaches of Sonoma County, the Ocean Song/Myers Preserve unfolds across nearly 800 acres of breathtaking natural beauty. This LandPaths-stewarded sanctuary is a vibrant tapestry of native coastal grasslands, dramatic canyons, pristine ponds and streams, and mixed oak woodlands, all interwoven with towering redwoods. A carefully cultivated habitat garden further enriches this haven, specifically designed to support pollinators, birds, and the well-being of our community. Ocean Song is truly teeming with an astonishing array of plant and animal life, making it a vital ecological treasure.
This remarkable land, known as Ocean Song/Myers Preserve, rests upon the ancestral territories of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians and the Coast Miwok people, honoring their enduring presence and stewardship across generations. Historical records point to a Kashia Pomo settlement, “Kabemali Pomos of Duncan Point,” located approximately five miles west of Ocean Song, and a Coast Miwok village named “Lupuyomis” in the same vicinity. Today, the closest federally recognized tribes are the esteemed Kashia Band of Pomo Indians and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.
We deeply respect and acknowledge the Kashia Pomo and Coast Miwok peoples as the original inhabitants and guardians of this land. We recognize that we are on occupied territory and remain mindful of the ongoing impacts of colonization.
Fueled by strong community support, the generosity of a dedicated group of angel investors, and a shared vision to ensure the perpetual local ownership and protection of Ocean Song’s stunning landscapes, LandPaths successfully acquired the property in November 2019. This pivotal acquisition marked the beginning of efforts to revitalize and steward this precious space.
Since then, LandPaths has been diligently working to restore Ocean Song’s existing structures and address pre-existing code violations, demonstrating their commitment to responsible land management.
Furthermore, in a significant step towards preserving the historical integrity of Ocean Song, LandPaths collaborated with adjacent landowner Pieter Myers, a key figure in the establishment of the original Ocean Song Farm and Wilderness Center. This collaboration culminated in the purchase of the Myers family land in August 2021, reuniting the ‘historic’ Ocean Song and consolidating it into the expansive 800-acre preserve we know today.
Your Chance to Connect with Ocean Song
While Ocean Song/Myers Preserve is not currently accessible for general public outings, there are meaningful ways for you to experience and contribute to this special place. The most rewarding way to connect with the land is by participating in our regularly scheduled volunteer stewardship days or dedicated garden stewardship days at the preserve. Visit our Calendar to discover upcoming opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ocean Song and lend a hand in its care. The land thrives with your involvement! We invite you to consider giving back through land stewardship. To join our community of volunteers and receive registration links for these enriching stewardship opportunities, please email [email protected].
By engaging in land stewardship with a shared purpose, we collectively contribute to maintaining healthy habitats, mitigating the risks of devastating wildfires, and fostering a community deeply connected to the land. We offer tasks suitable for all skill levels and abilities, ensuring everyone can participate in this vital work.
2025 Garden Stewardship Days at the Ocean Song Habitat Garden
The pollinator and habitat garden at Ocean Song/Myers is an enchanting realm, inviting you to experience the land firsthand as you nurture this vibrant ecosystem, home to countless plant and animal species!
Activities are tailored to the seasons and may include pruning, mulching, mowing, and other essential seasonal tasks. Your skills and comfort levels will guide your involvement! Volunteer land stewardship days like these provide the most intimate way to experience Ocean Song Preserve, which remains closed for general public access. These rewarding days are expertly guided by LandPaths’ dedicated volunteer garden steward, Jan Lochner.
- 10:30am – 12pm – Garden care session with Jan and fellow volunteers
- 12pm – 12:30pm – Shared Lunch
- 12:30 – 2pm – Continued garden care
- 2pm – 3pm – (optional) Guided hike through the preserve with Jan
Garden stewardship days commence at 10:30am and conclude by 3pm. You are welcome to depart earlier if needed.
Sunday, February 16 – REGISTER HERE
Sunday, March 16 – REGISTER HERE
Sunday, April 20 – REGISTER HERE
Sunday, May 18 – REGISTER HERE
Sunday, June 15 – REGISTER HERE
Stay Connected
Subscribe to the Ocean Song/Myers Community eNews to receive regular updates and stay informed about events and opportunities at Ocean Song.
A Rich Tapestry of History
Ocean Song’s story is deeply rooted in the ancestral homeland of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians and the Coast Miwok people, stretching back to time immemorial. In 1975, the land that would become Ocean Song was purchased from a local ranching family by Pieter and Marya Myers. This acquisition was inspired by their friendship with Bill Wheeler, who owned the adjacent property, laying the foundation for a shared vision of land stewardship.
The Myers, in collaboration with the Ananda spiritual community, embarked on building homes and structures, establishing a unique community deeply connected to the land. Recognizing the importance of conservation, a “Forever Wild” conservation easement was established in 1986, safeguarding 240 acres of the property from future development. In 1988, they further solidified their commitment to preservation by creating the Heirloom Trust, a 501c3 land trust focused on the western portion of the property, now known as Ocean Song Farm & Wilderness Center. That same year marked the beginning of Discovery Day Camp, under the directorship of David Berman, offering enriching environmental education experiences for children. By the following year, students from Sonoma County schools were regularly visiting the property, engaging with nature and learning about the environment. In 1991, the Myers and Heirloom Trust launched a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, providing their community with organic produce cultivated from the farm, fostering a direct connection between people and the land’s bounty.
Ocean Song Farm and Wilderness Center officially became a registered nonprofit organization in the 1990s. Ron Karp assumed the role of executive director in 1993, further developing the center’s programs and outreach. Ann Dolin facilitated weddings and retreats, creating memorable experiences within the serene natural setting. Lisa Baiter took over as director of the Discovery Day Camp in 1992, continuing its legacy of nature-based education. The property transitioned ownership to Eco-Corps in 1995, and in 2000, ownership was transferred again to Andrew Beath, the president of Earthways Foundation.
In 2005, Discovery Day Camp was revitalized as Coyote Camp, under the visionary leadership of Annie Klein, who also lovingly stewarded the habitat garden. Annie’s dedication to Coyote Camp for many years instilled a profound love for nature and the natural world in countless children. Coyote Camp’s innovative approach to environmental education served as a direct inspiration for LandPaths’ own Owl Camp!
Finally, in 2019, LandPaths realized its long-held aspiration to purchase the Ocean Song property, made possible through the generous contributions of two anonymous families. LandPaths is committed to continuing the enduring legacy of Ocean Song as a haven of remarkable biodiversity and a center for both environmental and agricultural education, fostering a community deeply transformed by its connection to the land.
This land is an integral part of the Sonoma to Marin “critical linkage,” enabling wildlife to move freely between undeveloped areas, contributing to regional ecological health. Historically, it has also served as a vital link for people, as the cherished home of Coyote Camp and other human-centered initiatives deeply aligned with the rhythms of nature. Ocean Song continues to be a place where nature and community intertwine and flourish.
