Who We Are
Since 1990, Sonoma Ecology Center has worked to increase appreciation and stewardship of Sonoma Valley’s natural heritage and create measurable benefits in areas of land, water, climate change and biodiversity.
Vision
We envision a future where people, land, water, and wildlife thrive.
Mission
Our mission is to work with our community to identify and lead actions that achieve and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley.
Photo by Marielle V Chua
Harvest Festival at Sonoma Garden Park
Come connect with neighbors, experience the magic of autumn at the park, and support the ongoing care of Sonoma Garden Park, one of Sonoma Valley’s most treasured green spaces. The Harvest Festival is free to attend and open to all. Let’s come together to celebrate the season and grow something beautiful together!
The 2026 Harvest Festival will take place Saturday, October 3, 10:00 am-3:00 pm.
A Closer Look at Sonoma Creek
Sonoma Creek is one of our valley’s most precious resources—and it needs our help. Watch our new video from filmmaker Conor Hagen that offers a closer look at the threats facing the Sonoma Creek Watershed, the restoration work Sonoma Ecology Center is doing to address them, and how landowners, volunteers, and neighbors can get involved.
2025 Community Impact Report
At the heart of our work is a simple but impactful belief: ecological health depends on people working together.
With deep gratitude for our donors, funders, staff, and volunteers, we are proud to share these recent achievements made through collaborative stewardship of Sonoma Valley’s natural resources, research, education, and bringing people together to work towards shared goals that benefit the future of Sonoma Valley.
Climate Resilient Neighborhoods
In partnership with La Luz Center, the Climate Resilient Neighborhoods program provides free landscaping services to households in The Springs, with a focus on defensible space and climate resiliency. Springs residents are encouraged to apply—click below to learn more and submit an interest form!
Photo by Saxon Holt
Calendar of Events
We host guided hikes, workshops, and educational events throughout Sonoma Valley each month.
Photo by Studio Luniste
Fire Resiliency Video
How can people, land, water, and wildlife thrive in a fire-adapted landscape? Watch this video on how we keep people safer while supporting our environment.
Learn more about our work on The Ecology Blog
Living With Fire in Sonoma Valley: a Multi-Benefit Approach to Fire Resilience
Photo by Conor HagenIt’s clear with the outbreak of the Ledson Fire earlier this month, which...
Remembering Steve Carara, Guardian of Sonoma Garden Park
Photo by Kristen Russell Remembering Steve Carara, Guardian of Sonoma Garden Park By Tony Passantino I knew Steve Carara maybe not better than all, but longer than most people at Sonoma Ecology Center. I started my career at SEC 13 years ago, first as an educator...
Richard Dale Named Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion: Looking Back on Four Decades of Building Common Ground in Sonoma Valley
Photo by Eddie Ramirez If you ask anyone about Richard Dale, Sonoma Ecology Center’s co-founder and executive director, recently named this year’s Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion by Congressman Mike Thompson, a common thread emerges. Richard’s approach, much...
Join Our Team!
Photo by Eddie Ramirez Sonoma Ecology Center is hiring for two dynamic positions on our Community Engagement Team and Restoration Team. Know someone who'd be a great fit? Please share these opportunities with your network! Sonoma Ecology Center offers a supportive,...
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