Calendar

The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.

This part star party/part Night Sky Trails is a hybrid version of these two events. While our dome and west wing telescopes will remain closed, we will allow small groups in our east wing to view images from our RC20, research-grade telescope. Sky tour docents will be stationed outside to give guests laser guided tours of the constellations. This is primarily an outdoor event. Only part of the observatory will be open.

Ticket cost is $10.00 per adult, $5 for students and seniors 60+, and children under 12 are FREE.  (Note: while children tickets are free, they are still required.)(Plus State Park parking fee of $10.00 per vehicle.) You MUST have a ticket to attend this event.  Attendance is limited and, while remaining tickets will be sold at the door, they will be subject to availability.

COVID-19 Update: Based on direction from Sonoma County, RFO is requiring guests to wear face masks at all events, regardless of their vaccination status.  And, of course, if you are not feeling well or have a fever, please stay home.

FAQs:

1. Map and Directions
2. When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
3. Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
4. There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
5. White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
   ◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
   ◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
   ◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
   ◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory.
6. Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
7. The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.

For current conditions call the observatory at (707)833-6979.
RFO is operated by the Valley of the Moon Observatory Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, and all of the proceeds will go towards maintaining this beloved Sonoma county institution. For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website. If there are additional questions, please email info@rfo.org.

The practice of Forest Therapy has been shown to improve health and well-being.

Have you heard about Shinrin-yoku or Forest bathing? Here is an opportunity to take a walk and experience the practice for yourself. Learn techniques to maximize the health benefits and stress reducing qualities of this walking practice. Shinrin-yoku originated in Japan and is gaining popularity in the United States for its documented health benefits.

This practice takes a walk in the woods to another level. A centering and calming restorative practice, it promotes balance and restored vitality through a quality of presence and heightened sensory awareness. Recent articles have been written up in Oprah, Time Magazine, and National Geographic, as well as numerous other publications. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosts a Forest Therapy Series as part of its ParkRx Program the 4th Saturday of each month. These walks are led by certified ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) practitioners. Visit natureandforesttherapy.org for more info about this practice.

Tickets are $20 or free with a 2021 ParkRx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider (click here for more info).

We will hold two walks on August 28th and September 25th: 9:30am-12:30pm and 2-5pm. Tickets are only valid for the time selected.

Join us for a 1.4-mile nature hike along the Sonoma Creek. On the hike your leader will teach you about the plants, animals, and aquatic life of Sonoma Creek. The hike starts outside the Visitor Center. Free. As of June 15, RSVP is not needed. Parking charges apply.

Enjoy your yoga experience in the beautiful setting of our park! Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation, no mat necessary.
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed) and your mask.
Route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain.
Tickets are $30 and include parking if registered in advance online.
All levels and ages welcome. Meet at the Visitor’s Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.

Yoga y bienestar en Sonoma Garden Park en español

Desconecta del estrés y conecta con tu interior. En este programa aprenderás movimientos y herramientas simples y efectivas para relajarte, rejuvenecerte y cultivar tu bienestar físico, mental y emocional.

Comienzo: Viernes Septiembre 3:00pm a las 6:00pm
Duración: 6 semanas
Localidad: Sonoma Garden Park, Sonoma CA

¡Inscribete hoy! ivana@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama al 707 484 8440  Espacios limitados

Este es un programa gratuito patrocinado por el distrito Ag + Open Space del condado de Sonoma. Sonoma Garden Park es un terreno protegido a través de Ag + Open Space 

Yoga and wellness at Sonoma Garden Park in Spanish

Disconnect from stress and speed. Connect with your interior and experience well-being. In this course, you’ll learn simple and effective exercises to rejuvenate and feel comfort in your body and mind. You will take home inspiration to use every day and cultivate your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These classes are free!

Start: Friday, September 3 at 6 PM
Location: Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 7th street east, Sonoma CA
Duration: 6 weeks

Sign up today! ivana@sonomaecologycenter.org or call 707 484 8440 Limited spaces

This is a free event sponsored by the Sonoma County Ag + Open Space District. Sonoma Garden Park is protected land through the Ag + Open Space.

Join us for a 1.4-mile nature hike along the Sonoma Creek. On the hike your leader will teach you about the plants, animals, and aquatic life of Sonoma Creek. The hike starts outside the Visitor Center. Free. As of June 15, RSVP is not needed. Parking charges apply.

Yoga y bienestar en Sonoma Garden Park en español

Desconecta del estrés y conecta con tu interior. En este programa aprenderás movimientos y herramientas simples y efectivas para relajarte, rejuvenecerte y cultivar tu bienestar físico, mental y emocional.

Comienzo: Viernes Septiembre 3:00pm a las 6:00pm
Duración: 6 semanas
Localidad: Sonoma Garden Park, Sonoma CA

¡Inscribete hoy! ivana@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama al 707 484 8440  Espacios limitados

Este es un programa gratuito patrocinado por el distrito Ag + Open Space del condado de Sonoma. Sonoma Garden Park es un terreno protegido a través de Ag + Open Space 

Yoga and wellness at Sonoma Garden Park in Spanish

Disconnect from stress and speed. Connect with your interior and experience well-being. In this course, you’ll learn simple and effective exercises to rejuvenate and feel comfort in your body and mind. You will take home inspiration to use every day and cultivate your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These classes are free!

Start: Friday, September 3 at 6 PM
Location: Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 7th street east, Sonoma CA
Duration: 6 weeks

Sign up today! ivana@sonomaecologycenter.org or call 707 484 8440 Limited spaces

This is a free event sponsored by the Sonoma County Ag + Open Space District. Sonoma Garden Park is protected land through the Ag + Open Space.

The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.

This part star party/part Night Sky Trails is a hybrid version of these two events. While our dome and west wing telescopes will remain closed, we will allow small groups in our east wing to view images from our RC20, research-grade telescope. Sky tour docents will be stationed outside to give guests laser guided tours of the constellations. This is primarily an outdoor event. Only part of the observatory will be open.

Ticket cost is $10.00 per adult, $5 for students and seniors 60+, and children under 12 are FREE.  (Note: while children tickets are free, they are still required.)(Plus State Park parking fee of $10.00 per vehicle.) You MUST have a ticket to attend this event.  Attendance is limited and, while remaining tickets will be sold at the door, they will be subject to availability.

COVID-19 Update: Based on direction from Sonoma County, RFO is requiring guests to wear face masks at all events, regardless of their vaccination status.  And, of course, if you are not feeling well or have a fever, please stay home.

FAQs:

1. Map and Directions
2. When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
3. Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
4. There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
5. White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
   ◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
   ◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
   ◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
   ◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory.
6. Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
7. The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.

For current conditions call the observatory at (707)833-6979.
RFO is operated by the Valley of the Moon Observatory Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, and all of the proceeds will go towards maintaining this beloved Sonoma county institution. For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website. If there are additional questions, please email info@rfo.org.