Our program works to holistically heal the life and landscapes of Sonoma Valley through community action by -
- building site-specific demonstration projects from the ground up
- providing outreach to land and water managers to improve stewardship practices
We concentrate on stream, riparian, and wetland habitats given that Sonoma Valley’s ecosystems now provide a critical
refuge for endangered species native to the San Francisco Bay Estuary. Some program highlights include the following -
COMPREHENSIVE CREEK RESTORATIONS
Three reach-scale restorations are presently underway:
Nathanson Creek in downtown Sonoma, the Riverside Reach of Sonoma Creek downstream of Maxwell Park,
and Upper Sonoma Creek between Glen Ellen and Kenwood. Restoration includes debris removal, tree planting,
reduction of erosion and sedimentation, and other improvements to riparian and in-stream habitat.
NATIVE PLANT NUSERY
Seeds are collected locally and propagated at our nursery
facility in Sonoma Garden Park for use in restoration projects around the valley.
Restoration staff work with students and volunteers to provide hands-on education and
dissemination of restorative landscaping practices benefiting fish, birds, and pollinators.
RECOVERY OF NATIVE TROUT AND SALMON POPULATIONS
Steelhead Trout and Chinook Salmon return to the streams of Sonoma Valley from Pacific deeps
to plant the next generation. We work to protect and restore valuable spawning and rearing habitat.
By removing barriers created by roads and bridges we have re-opened more than 22 miles of stream
habitat to native fish. Four more fish passage projects are presently underway that will re-open
more than 60 additional miles of habitat.
STREAM STEWARDS NETWORK
We support an organic network of neighborhood stewardship groups to foster communication,
generate projects, and create an informed constituency dedicated to sustainability.
Stewards work together towards collective improvements for the ecological health of private lands with our technical and regulatory support.
The mission of the Sonoma Ecology Center is to work with
the community
to enhance and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley.
For more information about any of these programs or how you can join a stewardship group, contact Julie Jehly, Stewardship Coordinator, 996-0712 x115 or
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