Join Sonoma Ecology Center’s Educator Program Manager Tony Passantino to learn how to interpret fire landscapes at Sugarloaf that burned in recent wildfires. We will be assessing burned trees, learning how to interpret fire-affected landscapes, and watching for special “fire follower” wildflowers.
Discussion questions include: Why did this happen? What does it mean? How do we prepare for it happening again?
We will be walking 2 miles up a continual incline from the main parking lot, gaining 700 ft. in elevation in one mile. We return down a rough, paved, continually descending road. Please wear sturdy footwear, and bring trekking poles if you typically use them. We will observe County Health Ordinances of mask-wearing and social distancing. Parking fees apply.
Protected by Ag + Open Space in 2002, the Keen property is one of Sonoma Valley’s more unique and picturesque conservation easements. It protects ancient lava flows that form walls and rooms, that in turn frame elegant displays of native plants and offer stunning portal views to the surrounding Mayacamas Mountains. With the recent rainfall, the creeks have revived across a gorgeous protected property that is home to the headwaters of Agua Caliente Creek. The October 2017 fires also heavily affected this property. We invite you to come see the land rebound, assess burned trees and learn how to interpret fire-affected landscapes.
This outing is for experienced hikers only, with difficult to moderate hiking over uneven, steep terrain with no trail. We may pass through brushy areas, with possible exposure to ticks or poison oak. Bring appropriate clothing including long pants and sturdy footwear, a hat or sunscreen, and plenty of water. There is no charge for this outing, as it is made possible by Sonoma County Ag + Open Space and the voters of Sonoma County who fund the district’s work with a quarter-cent sales tax.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Choose to Challenge. All are welcome to our annual community event in reflection and celebration of girls’ and women’s empowerment.
We will provide germination cups and trays to sow seeds for your own spring and summer gardens. Participants will leave with their future garden in hand, ready to transplant to pots or plots at home upon the arrival of spring. To honor our local frontline females, farm and hospitality workers we will plant a tree in the Garden Park’s outdoor yoga studio area. Make it a date – bring a friend for a Women’s Day garden retreat. Ivana Nedeelchev, SEC’s volunteer coordinator will provide spanish translation. Julia Megna, SEC’s Education Project Manager and owner of 100AcreGreenery.com looks forward to celebrating the power of women past, present and future with you.
Sonoma Garden Park was protected by Ag + Open Space in November of 2011 for recreation and preservation of its natural resources, and learning classroom environment for agriculture field trips for nearby elementary schools through Sonoma Ecology Center’s “Growing Discovery” program . The 6-acre property, hidden in eastern Sonoma, is an incredible public park and working garden site in Sonoma Valley, containing a wide array of habitats alongside sustainably designed systems for both agriculture use and landscaping purposes.
There is no charge for this outing, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax.
Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work. Work includes bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying and hiking. Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Poison oak is present, so long sleeves are suggested. We have tools and trained crew leaders with tasks for all. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We will provide tools, and if allowed, lunch.
If you are a current State Parks volunteer, signup in Volgistics.
Otherwise, sign up here.
Join Sonoma Ecology Center naturalists with an exploration through the Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve. This guided hike led by SEC staff explores this riparian forested trail impacted by the 2017 Nunns Fire. The preserve is only accessible to the public on guided outings and is known for its stunning vistas, open meadows, waterfalls, and oak woodlands. Calabazas Creek provides hikers with a multitude of microclimates as well as a rigorous hike. Bring along friends and family, and a picnic lunch to enjoy with us!
The Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve was protected by Ag + Open Space in October of 2004 for recreation and preservation of its natural resources, including the stretch of Calabazas Creek that cascades down the canyon. The 1,290-acre property, overlooking the Valley of the Moon, is one of the most exquisite natural sites in Sonoma Valley, containing a wide array of habitats and breathtaking vistas.
This is a strenuous hike with substantial elevation gain, on established trails. Please bring water and lunch, and be prepared for that day’s weather. There is a shallow water crossing. The hike will go on in light rain, but heavy rain will cancel the outing. There is no charge for this outing, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax.
Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work. Work includes bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying and hiking. Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Poison oak is present, so long sleeves are suggested. We have tools and trained crew leaders with tasks for all. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We will provide tools, and if allowed, lunch.
If you are a current State Parks volunteer, signup in Volgistics.
Otherwise, sign up here.
Join Sonoma Ecology Center naturalists at Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve for one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in all of Sonoma County. Experience a pristine spring grassland with numerous species in full bloom. The 162-acre property in the foothills of Sonoma Mountain is protected by a Sonoma County Ag + Open Space conservation easement and the California Wildlife Conservation Board. The property is managed under a partnership with the landowner and Sonoma Ecology Center to protect the Preserve’s unique plants, thriving streams, and wildlife habitat.
This outing is a beginning-level walk over a gently sloped land. Most of the walk is through grassland, generally not on trails, so the footing can be uneven. The walk crosses a few small creek channels, which sometimes have shallow water with stepping stones. There is no charge for this outing, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax.
Please note that these popular walks fill to capacity on a first-come, first-served basis every year, so early registration is encouraged! Walks will go on in light rain, but heavy rains will cancel the walk.
REGISTER TODAY! Registration is required, no later than 5pm the day before the walk. Directions and day-of-contact information will be emailed upon registration. For additional information or questions about the outing, please contact Tony Passantino at tony@sonomaecologycenter.org.
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