Community scientists John Hibbard and Alex Weishaar set up a butterfly display in the greenhouse at the White Barn parking lot for you to you to enjoy during the 2024 City Nature Challenge. Free event; no RSVP required. Stay until noon on Saturday, April 27 or Sunday, April 28 for a guided butterfly walk.
View the rest of our City Nature Challenge activities here!
Join wildflower poet and Sugarloaf docent Phil Weil on this wildflower walk along Lower Bald Mountain and Meadow Trail.
Meet at the main parking lot, about 1/4 past the entrance kiosk. Tickets are $5-$10 sliding scale for adults and free for children under 18. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water, a fully-charged battery on your mobile device, butterfly identification guides (if you have them), and if desired, a snack. Parking fees apply; rains cancel.
The 2024 City Nature Challenge runs from April 26 to 29. It’s a bioblitz-style friendly competition where cities are in a contest against each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. Learn more about City Nature Challenge or view the Sugarloaf Project here!
Participants of any level of experience can help find, photograph, record, and/or identify life in the park. Smartphones with the iNaturalist app will be our main tool, but those lacking phones are also welcome to participate. If you haven’t used iNaturalist, or haven’t made an observation for a while, this is your chance – just make sure to load the iNaturalist app on your phone before you arrive. This event is part of the Challenge along with other events scheduled from April 26-29. View the rest of our City Nature Challenge activities here!
Ease of access: The main parking lot has one van-accessible parking space and an accessible vault toilet. There is no running water in this area. The Lower Bald Mountain trailhead beginning from the main parking lot is a single-track dirt and gravel trail with narrow sections, steps, and switchbacks, and elevation gain of at least 100ft. The Meadow Trail is a mostly-flat, unpaved fireroad of approximately one mile in length with some sections in full sun exposure.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar of events.
March and April make for good reptilian-spotting months as ectotherms leave their burrows in search of food and mates. Join Galen and Rachel Freed in this easy 2-mile hike in search of snakes, lizards, and other wildlife. We’ll start off with a presentation inside the Robert Ferguson Observatory classroom and then hike Lower Bald and Creekside Trails, whose habitats is preferred by these species.
Meet at the White Barn parking lot. Tickets are $5-$10 sliding scale for adults and free for children under 12. Wear sun protection ad comfortable shoes, bring at least a quart of water, and if desired, a snack. Rains cancel. Parking fees apply.
The 2024 City Nature Challenge runs from April 26 to 29. It’s a bioblitz-style friendly competition where cities are in a contest against each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. Learn more about City Nature Challenge or view the Sugarloaf Project here!
Participants of any level of experience can help find, photograph, record, and/or identify life in the park. Smartphones with the iNaturalist app will be our main tool, but those lacking phones are also welcome to participate. If you haven’t used iNaturalist, or haven’t made an observation for a while, this is your chance – just make sure to load the iNaturalist app on your phone before you arrive. This event is part of the Challenge along with other events scheduled from April 26-29. View the rest of our City Nature Challenge activities here!
Ease of access: The White Barn parking area has one van-accessible designated parking spot and one accessible porta-potty. There is a flat, paved 1/4-mile road from the parking area to the observatory. The observatory is wheelchair-accessible by a wooden ramp and deck. The Lower Bald Mountain Trail has two trailheads: one outside of the observatory, and one at the main parking lot. It is a single-track trail with sections of dirt, and some sections of gravel, with switchbacks, steps, and a cumulative elevation gain of 54ft. The Creekside Nature Trail is ADA-compliant from the main parking lot to the White Barn parking lot, about 0.48mi.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Community scientists John Hibbard and Alex Weishaar lead this easy-to-moderate 2-mile butterfly walk as part of 2024’s City Nature Challenge. We will encourage butterfly and bug photography; cameras, binoculars, hand lenses, and field guides are recommended. Stop by the greenhouse (across from the White Barn) between 11:00 am-12:00 pm prior to the walk for everything butterfly-related.
Meet at the White Barn for the walk. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under 18. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water, a fully-charged battery on your mobile device, butterfly identification guides (if you have them), and if desired, a snack. Parking fees apply; rains cancel.
The 2024 City Nature Challenge runs from April 26 to 29. It’s a bioblitz-style friendly competition where cities are in a contest against each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. Learn more about City Nature Challenge or view the Sugarloaf Project here!
Participants of any level of experience can help find, photograph, record, and/or identify life in the park. Smartphones with the iNaturalist app will be our main tool, but those lacking phones are also welcome to participate. If you haven’t used iNaturalist, or haven’t made an observation for a while, this is your chance – just make sure to load the iNaturalist app on your phone before you arrive. This event is part of the Challenge along with other events scheduled from April 26-29. View the rest of our City Nature Challenge activities here!
Ease of access: The White Barn parking lot has one van-accessible parking spot and an accessible porta-potty. We’re unable to determine ease of access for the hike as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (temperatures, seasonality of butterflies, etc).
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar of events.
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We are selling a variety of California native plants to the public every Friday from 12:00-3:00 pm to help local gardeners create and maintain drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly gardens and landscapes. Simply drop into our Native Plant Nursery. For questions, email our Native Plant Nursery Manager at hannah@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Our weekly plant sales will be cancelled October 6, 13, and 20, and November 24, 2023.
Sign up for our emailing list to stay updated on future events: sonomaecologycenter.org/newsletters-sign-up.
Venderemos una variedad de plantas nativas Californianas al público cada viernes de 12:00 a 3:00 pm para ayudar a jardineros locales a crear y mantener jardines y paisajes resistentes a la sequía y amigables a polinizadores. Simplemente acude a nuestro vivero de plantas nativas (ubicado dentro de Sonoma Garden Park). Si tienes preguntas, manda un email a nuestra gerente del vivero de plantas nativas por hannah@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Nuestra venta de plantas semanal en octubre 6, 13, y 20 se ha cancelado para prepararnos para nuestra venta estacional el 21 de octubre.
Inscríbete a nuestro boletín de noticias electrónico para estar al tanto de nuestros eventos futuros: sonomaecologycenter.org/newsletters-sign-up.
UPDATE 4/14, 4:00 PM: This hike is full.
The Goodspeed trail hosts a treasure trove of wildflowers. Here’s a chance to join Certified CA Naturalist John Lynch for a leisurely exploration of this exceptionally lovely trail. You will not be sorry!
Goodspeed trail starts along the cool banks of the Sonoma Creek as it rushes through a stand of redwoods but quickly heads up hill into the sunlight and a profusion of wildflowers, butterflies (and a few reptiles). This hike will only take us a couple miles with the turn around just past Pierson Rd – but oh what a couple of miles!
Meet at the Goodspeed parking lot. Tickets are $15 for general audiences, $7.50 for students or youth (12-17 year olds, accompanied by a responsible adult), Sugarloaf members and volunteers, and free for children under 12. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water, a camera or wildflower guides if you have them, and if desired, a snack. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: Goodspeed Trail is an out-and-back, single-track dirt trail. The first hundred feet is a rough foot trail down to Sonoma Creek. The next several hundred feet (including wooden bridges with handrails over two creeks) is mostly flat. The remainder of the route is mostly steep with steps and a rugged climb through serpentine chaparral.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Sábado 4 de mayo, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma & Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge
Ven a una caminata donde exploraremos algunas de las plantas originarias en Sugarloaf, su historia natural, herbología y folklore. Nos reuniremos en el estacionamiento principal y caminaremos los senderos Lower Bald Mountain y Stern. ¡Evento gratuito! Por favor regístrate por adelantado, ya que proveeremos transportación, lo cual limita el cupo a 25, y este evento se llenará pronto. Transportación gratuita de la Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma (755 West Napa Street Sonoma, CA 95476) a Sugarloaf (2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452) y de regreso es proveída con tu registración. El autobús saldrá de la biblioteca prontamente a las 9:30am al Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge y regresará a la biblioteca alrededor de las 12:30 pm.
Viste capas, calzado adecuado para senderos pedregosos/resbaladizos, protección solar, trae al menos un litro de agua, y si deseas, un bocadillo. Te sugerimos traer una lupa, algo en que arrodillarse, y una guía de identificación de plantas, si la tienes.
Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama a Alma al 707-247-5767.
Información acerca de plantas comestibles es sólamente para propósitos educativos. Procurarse de alimentos (plantas, semillas, hongos, etc.) en los parques estatales de California es ilegal.
Facilidad de acceso: El estacionamiento principal posee un espacio designado como accesible para vagonetas y un inodoro rústico. No hay agua potable en el área. El comienzo del sendero Lower Bald Mountain que empieza en el estacionamiento principal es un sendero de tierra y grave de una sola vía. Mide aproximadamente una milla, y cuenta con 500 pies de elevación. Tiene secciones angostas con escalones y zigzags, como también áreas más anchas en pleno sol. El sendero Stern es una carretera cortafuegos rudamente pavimentada con algunas secciones de grava suelta empinadas. Mide aproximadamente una milla, con la segunda mitad de esa milla siendo plana y soleada.
Este evento es en colaboración con Sonoma Valley Regional Library y es respaldado por Route to Parks, un proyecto de Parks California.
Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario
ENGLISH Senderos: Flora (en español)
Sat, 5/4, 9:30 am -12:30 pm
Sonoma Valley Regional Library & Sugarloaf Ridge SP
Join us on this walk about some of Sugarloaf’s native plants, their natural history, and folklore. This event is planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking Latino audience. Families from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. Email senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org with your questions.
Ease of access: The main parking lot has one van-accessible parking space and an accessible vault toilet. There is no running water in this area. The Lower Bald Mountain trailhead beginning from the main parking lot is a single-track dirt and gravel trail of approximately one mile in length and 500 ft of elevation gain. It has narrow sections with steps and switchbacks, as well as some wider sections in full sun exposure. Stern Trail is a roughly-paved fireroad with a few steep areas of loose gravel. It is about a mile in length, with the second half of the mile being flatter and sunny.
Edible plant information is for educational purposes only. Foraging is illegal in CA State Parks.
This event is in collaboration with Sonoma Valley Regional Library and sponsored by the Route to Parks Grant, a project of Parks California.
Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Embrace the tranquility of Sunday mornings at Sugarloaf as our experienced instructor, Diana Latorre, guides you in the ancient practice of Tai Chi. This gentle holistic wellness practice is perfect for beginners and those with limited mobility.
Meet at the amphitheater. Tickets are $15-20 sliding scale for general audiences. Wear layers, comfortable footwear, bring water, sun protection, and if desired, a snack. Not recommended for children under 16.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with an April 2024 or newer ParkRx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx info.
Ease of access: There are two main lots in the park: the main lot and the White Barn lot. Each lot has one van-designated accessible parking spot and an accessible porta-potty or vault toilet. Each parking lot has access to the ADA-compliant Creekside Nature Trail, which crosses the amphitheater. The trail measures approximately 0.45 miles one way, with the trailhead across the main parking lot being approximately 0.2 miles from the amphitheater and the White Barn Lot approximately 0.25 miles. Should further accessibility accommodations be required, please email alma@sonomaecologycenter.org as soon as possible.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Volunteers play a crucial role at keeping Sugarloaf Ridge State Park open and accessible to all! Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work by coming to our every-other-Thursday Volunteer Trail Crew. Activities include bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying, and hiking.
Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Long sleeves are recommended as poison oak is present. 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 Sugarloaf volunteer, log onto Better Impact to sign up.
Not a Sugarloaf volunteer yet? RSVP to sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org no later than the Sunday prior to the work day to ensure we have lunch for you.
First-time volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to formally join our volunteer program if they’d like to support us more frequently. Start here to become a volunteer.
[Español abajo]
We are selling a variety of California native plants to the public every Friday from 12:00-3:00 pm to help local gardeners create and maintain drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly gardens and landscapes. Simply drop into our Native Plant Nursery. For questions, email our Native Plant Nursery Manager at hannah@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Our weekly plant sales will be cancelled October 6, 13, and 20, and November 24, 2023.
Sign up for our emailing list to stay updated on future events: sonomaecologycenter.org/newsletters-sign-up.
Venderemos una variedad de plantas nativas Californianas al público cada viernes de 12:00 a 3:00 pm para ayudar a jardineros locales a crear y mantener jardines y paisajes resistentes a la sequía y amigables a polinizadores. Simplemente acude a nuestro vivero de plantas nativas (ubicado dentro de Sonoma Garden Park). Si tienes preguntas, manda un email a nuestra gerente del vivero de plantas nativas por hannah@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Nuestra venta de plantas semanal en octubre 6, 13, y 20 se ha cancelado para prepararnos para nuestra venta estacional el 21 de octubre.
Inscríbete a nuestro boletín de noticias electrónico para estar al tanto de nuestros eventos futuros: sonomaecologycenter.org/newsletters-sign-up.