Description
The Modini Ranch Journals collection showcases journals and ledgers handwritten by James (Jim) Lawrence and Shirley Nye Modini,
gifted to Sonoma State University Library by Audubon Canyon Ranch in 2013. Jim and Shirley Modini were Sonoma County natives
who lived at Pine Flat Road Ranch from World War II until their deaths, his in 2011 and hers in 2012. The Modinis documented
life on their northern California ranch for almost 70 years, from 1935 until 2005. The journal entries encompass a wide range
of subjects including weather, prices, wildlife sightings, events, sketches, and musings. In 2000, the Modinis worked with
the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District to designate their land as “forever wild”. In 2009, they
donated the property to Audubon Canyon Ranch, a land conservation group that manages preserves in Sonoma and Marin counties.