Mar
18
Mon
Spring Break Camp at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Campamento de vacaciones de primavera en Sugarloaf Ridge @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Mar 18 @ 9:00 am – Mar 22 @ 3:00 pm

When: March 18-22, 2024 9:00 am-3:00 pm | Cuándo: del lunes 18 de marzo al viernes 22 de marzo del 2024, 9:00 am-3:00 pm

Where: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452 | Dónde: Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452

Who: Ages 8-12 | Quien: edades de 8 a 12

Cost: $330 for Sonoma Ecology Center members; $350 for the general public | Costo: $330 para miembros de Sonoma Ecology Center, o $350 para el público general.

[Español abajo]

Join us for an exciting week of exploration at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park’s Spring Break Camp for ages 8-12 on Monday-Friday, March 18 to March 22, 2024. Inspired by our successful “Water Wonders” field trip program, we will journey through the headwaters of the Sonoma Creek watershed in this environmental and recreational education camp. Throughout the week, campers will become explorers, starting each day with thrilling morning hikes on the park’s trails. As the day progresses and the sun warms up, we will get closer to the waters, exploring the streams, observing insects and amphibians in their natural environment. Our activities will include investigating water properties and learning about the wildlife and plants found in the park. Additionally, our camp days will be filled with games, hikes, and exciting storytelling.

Spring Break Camp at Sugarloaf is led by naturalist Jonny Ehlers from the Sonoma Ecology Center. Jonny is a fourth-generation educator who began working with youth right after high school in an afterschool program in Sacramento. Later, he became an educator in West Sonoma County at a residential camp, where he worked with diverse populations. He also founded The Mycelium Project, an organization dedicated to helping children and adults through nature-based activities and hikes. Jonny is certified in first aid and CPR, and he brings 27 years of experience in outdoor and environmental education.

This camp aligns with the spring break week of Santa Rosa City Schools and the Kenwood School District. If you are part of a different school district, we recommend checking your local school calendar to see if it coincides with the week when we offer our spring break camp. We look forward to seeing you at the Spring Break Camp at Sugarloaf Ridge!

Registration ends March 14 at 11:59 pm. If you need Spanish help registering for this camp, please contact Alma Shaw at alma@sonomaecologycenter.org. For other questions, please contact Tony Passantino at tony@sonomaecologycenter.org.

¡Únete a nosotros en una emocionante semana de exploración durante el campamento de vacaciones de primavera para edades entre 8 y 12 en Sugarloaf Ridge State Park! El campamento es del lunes 18 de marzo al viernes 22 de marzo del 2024. Inspirado en nuestro exitoso programa de excursiones “Water Wonders”, recorreremos las cabeceras de la cuenca de Sonoma Creek en este campamento de educación ambiental y recreativa. Durante esta semana, los campistas se convertirán en exploradores, comenzando cada día con emocionantes caminatas matutinas por los senderos del parque. A medida que el día avanza y se torna caluroso, nos acercaremos a las aguas para explorar los arroyos en busca de insectos y anfibios. Nuestras actividades incluirán la investigación de las propiedades del agua, la recolección y el estudio de insectos acuáticos, así como el aprendizaje sobre la vida silvestre y las plantas que se encuentran en el parque. Además, nuestros días en el campamento estarán llenos de juegos, caminatas y cuentos emocionantes.

El Campamento de vacaciones de primavera en Sugarloaf está dirigido por naturalista Jonny Ehlers de Sonoma Ecology Center. Jonny es un educador de cuarta generación que comenzó a trabajar con jóvenes justo después de graduarse de la escuela secundaria en un programa extracurricular en Sacramento. Más tarde, se convirtió en educador en el oeste del Condado de Sonoma en un campamento residencial donde trabajó con poblaciones diversas. Jonny también fundó The Mycelium Project, una organización dedicada a ayudar a niños y adultos a través de excursiones y actividades basadas en la naturaleza. Jonny está certificado en primeros auxilios y RCP, y cuenta con 27 años de experiencia en educación ambiental y al aire libre.

Este campamento está alineado con las vacaciones de primavera de las escuelas de la ciudad de Santa Rosa y el distrito escolar de Kenwood. Si perteneces a otro distrito escolar, te recomendamos consultar el calendario escolar local para ver si coincide con la semana en la que ofrecemos nuestro campamento de primavera. ¡Esperamos verte en el campamento de primavera en Sugarloaf Ridge!

El periodo de registración cierra el 14 de marzo a las 11:59pm. Si necesita ayuda en español para inscribirse, por favor póngase en contacto con Alma Shaw en alma@sonomaecologycenter.org. Para otras preguntas, por favor comuníquese con Tony Passantino (tony@sonomaecologycenter.org).

Mar
22
Fri
Weekly California Native Plant Sale | Venta semanal de plantas nativas Californianas @ Native Plant Nursery at Sonoma Garden Park
Mar 22 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Weekly California Native Plant Sale | Venta semanal de plantas nativas Californianas @ Native Plant Nursery at Sonoma Garden Park | Sonoma | California | United States

[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.

Mar
23
Sat
Wondrous Wildflower Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Mar 23 @ 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Wondrous Wildflower Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

UPDATE 2/28, 4:30 pm: The 3/2, 3/23, & 4/6 hikes are sold out.

Join Certified California Naturalist John Lynch on his  wondrous wildflower walks.

On 3/2, we’ll follow Pony Gate Trail’s grassy slope, into the Oak woodland and through a mixed evergreen forest, along Canyon Trail’s shady riparian corridor lined with redwoods, to the 25-foot dramatic plunge of Sonoma Creek and back to the our starting point at the Visitor Center.

Departing from the Visitor Center, the 3/23 route takes us on the Creekside and Hillside trails returning via Meadow.

On 4/6, from the White Barn, we’ll scout Hillside to Brushy Peaks turning around at the Neptune picnic table and back on Meadow Trail.

We’ll celebrate Earth Day on 4/21 on Vista Trail via Lower Bald Mtn (from the White Barn) and returning on Meadow Trail.

Wear hiking shoes, layers appropriate for weather, bring at least a quart of water, a camera, and wildflower guides if you have one. Tickets are $10-$15 sliding scale for general audiences, $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds; must be accompanied by an adult), Sugarloaf members and volunteers, and free for children under 12. Parking fees apply. Heavy rain or wind cancels and will be announced by 9:00am the day of the hike.

Ease of access: The Pony Gate-Canyon loop is approximately 2 miles with an elevation of 595 ft. Both trails are single-track dirt trails with steps that descend into a canyon. There is a seasonal water crossing (creek bed) on Pony Gate without a bridge.

The Creekside-Hillside-Meadow loop is ADA-compliant for approximately 0.35mi. From there, Hillside is a single-track dirt trail for 0.1mi that widens into a 2-mile fire road loop with two 100-foot hills and a small stream crossing with a wooden plank for a bridge. Meadow is passable by strollers or wheelchair up to the bridge, about a mile in, but is not officially an ADA-compliant trail.

Hillside Trail is a single-track dirt trail for 0.1mi that widens into a 2-mile fire road loop with two 100-foot hills and a small stream crossing with a wooden plank for a bridge. Brushy Peaks Trail is a rugged single-track dirt trail with 650 feet of elevation and a short section of steps.

Lower Bald Mtn Trail is a single-track gravel and dirt trail with at times, rough terrain and steps. It connects to Bald Mtn Trail, a steep, paved fire road. Vista Trail is a single-track dirt trail with at least three stretches of steep steps and at least two small seasonal water crossings without a bridge. Gray Pine, the connecting trail between Vista and Meadow Trails, has a year-round stream crossing with a board for a bridge.


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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Mar
24
Sun
Park Rx– Forest Bathing Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Mar 24 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Park Rx-- Forest Bathing Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

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. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosts a Forest Therapy Series as part of its Park Rx Program the 4th Sunday of the month led by certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) practitioners.

We invite you to join us on this therapeutic experience of sights, sounds, scents, touch, and memory. The outing begins at the White Barn and meanders less than one mile from the start point in a reverie of introspection and connection to the natural world.

Tickets are $20 or free with an January 2024 or newer Park Rx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx information. To sign up with a Park Rx, please email alma@sonomaecologycenter.org. Please have your Park Rx available at the time of sign-up, as the number of Park Rx tickets is limited and you will be asked to turn in a copy at the time of registration.

Wear layers, comfortable footwear, bring water, sun protection, and if desired, a snack or a picnic to enjoy after the event. Parking fees apply. Heavy rains cancel.

Ease of access: Creekside Nature Trail has two trailheads. The trailhead from the White Barn is ADA compliant for about 0.1 miles. Our route for this hike veers off to the left across a narrow bridge and single-track dirt trail that connects with Hillside and then backtracks. The entire route is approximately 3/4 of a mile with approximately 100ft of elevation gain. 

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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Full Moon Hike @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Mar 24 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Full Moon Hike @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

UPDATE: 2/2 1:00PM. Our March Full Moon Hike is sold out, but sales for the April hike begin on March 25 at 1:00am.

Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder as you explore the park after dark. This hike begins at the White Barn and heads up to the viewpoint on Vista Trail or to the top of Bald Mountain, where we will see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley.

The Bald Mountain route is a strenuous 6.5 miles with 1500+ of vertical and some steep sections (not recommended for children under 12). It leaves the White Barn parking lot at 5:00pm.

The Vista Trail route is a moderate-to-strenuous, 4-mile hike with 700ft of elevation and begins at 6:00pm. Not recommended for children under 7.

Tickets are $10 general, and $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds), Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children 7-12 years old. All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. You must have a ticket to attend. Be at the meeting location at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the hike for a prompt departure. Bring your flashlight, at least a quart of water, snacks, and extra layers for the evening. Parking fees apply.

Ease of access:
For Vista route: The White Barn parking lot has one van-designated parking spot and an accessible porta-potty. There is a 1/4-mile paved road from the Observatory to the Meadow trailhead. Meadow Trail is an unpaved fire road that is mostly flat although not ADA-compliant.  In the dry season, it is passable by stroller or wheelchair with off-road capability tires up to the bridge, about a mile in. Grey Pine Trail is a fire road with a year-round creek crossing passable by board. Vista Trail is a single-track dirt trail with at least 700ft of elevation. It has at least two small seasonal water crossings, at least two sections with steps, and multiple steep, slippery sections. Bald Mtn Trail is a paved fire road that connects Vista Trail to Lower Bald Mtn Trail. Lower Bald Mtn Trail is a single-track dirt and gravel trail with multiple narrow switchbacks and inclines with an elevation gain of approximately 500ft. It has two trailheads; one at the main parking lot, and one that leads back to the Observatory.
For Bald Mtn route: The White Barn parking lot has one van-designated parking spot and an accessible porta-potty. There is a 1/4-mile paved road from the Observatory to the Lower Bald Mtn trailhead. Lowr Bald Mtn Trail is a single-track dirt and gravel trail with multiple narrow switchbacks and inclines for an elevation gain of approximately 500ft. It merges with Bald Mtn Trail, a paved fire road with elevation of 1,000+ ft of elevation gain. The route backtracks on these same trails.

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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Mar
28
Thu
Sugarloaf Volunteer Trail Crew @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Mar 28 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sugarloaf Volunteer Trail Crew @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

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.

Mar
29
Fri
Weekly California Native Plant Sale | Venta semanal de plantas nativas Californianas @ Native Plant Nursery at Sonoma Garden Park
Mar 29 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Weekly California Native Plant Sale | Venta semanal de plantas nativas Californianas @ Native Plant Nursery at Sonoma Garden Park | Sonoma | California | United States

[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.

Mar
30
Sat
Garden Planning and Seed Sowing Party | Fiesta de siembra de semilla y planificación de jardín @ Sonoma Garden Park
Mar 30 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Garden Planning and Seed Sowing Party | Fiesta de siembra de semilla y planificación de jardín @ Sonoma Garden Park | Sonoma | California | United States

[Traducido al español abajo]

Back by popular demand…  join us for a Spring Seed Planting Workshop! Let’s propagate locally-grown, pollinator-friendly plants to sustain the earth and ourselves. We will gather at Sonoma Garden Park on March 30, 10:00 am-12:00 pm for a tour, talk, and plan for the future. Everyone can plant seeds in cups and leave with a collection of cuttings and plant starts for summer home gardens. Some seeds prefer direct sowing into the warm ground, others do best when started in cups. After this workshop, you’ll be able to accurately follow seed instructions to give your veggies and flowers the best beginnings.

Please wear comfortable shoes for uneven terrain. All supplies will be provided. If able, bring a trowel (hand shovel), a notebook, seeds for sharing,  a shoebox or paper bag and a phone or camera for pictures of seed packets.

This event is led by Julia Megna, Sonoma Ecology Center’s education project manager and owner of Florals and Decor by Julia and our dedicated volunteers. 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.

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. 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, home of a wide array of habitats alongside sustainably designed systems for both agriculture use and landscaping purposes.

De regreso por demanda popular…¡acompáñanos en un taller de siembra de semilla! Propagaremos plantas amigables a los polinizadores cultivadas localmente para sostener ambos a la tierra y a nosotros. Nos reuniremos en Sonoma Garden Park el 30 de marzo de 10:00 am a 12:00 pm para un paseo, charla, y planearemos para el futuro. Todos podrán sembrar semillas en contenedores y llevar a casa una colección de cortes de tallos y plantitas para tu jardín. Algunas semillas prefieren ser sembradas directamente en la tierra cálida, algunas se desarrollan mejor en contenedores. Después de este taller, podras seguir instrucciones al pie en los paquetes de semillas para asegurar el mejor empiezo para tus flores, hortalizas, y verduras.

Por favor viste calzado cómodo para terreno desparejo. Todos los materiales serán proporcionados. Si es posible, trae una palita de jardín, una libreta, algo con que escribir, una caja de zapatos vacía o una bolsa de papel, y un teléfono celular con capacidad para tomar fotografías o una cámara para tomar fotos de los paquetes de semillas.

Este evento es liderado por Julia Megna, gerente del proyecto de Educación de Sonoma Ecology Center y dueña de “Florals and Decor by Julia”, Alma Shaw, coordinadora del programa Senderos Naturales para Sonoma Ecology Center, y nuestros dedicados voluntarios. No hay costo para este taller, el cual es posible por los electores del Condado de Sonoma, quienes financian el trabajo de Ag + Open Space con un impuesto de ventas de un cuarto de centavo.

No hay costo para este taller, el cual es posible por los electores del Condado de Sonoma, quienes financian el trabajo de Ag + Open Space con un impuesto de ventas de un cuarto de centavo. Sonoma Garden Park fué protegido por Ag + Open Space en noviembre del 2011 con propósitos recreativos y de preservación de sus recursos naturales, y como aula de aprendizaje ambiental para salidas al campo por escuelas primarias a través del programa “Growing Discovery” de Sonoma Ecology Center. La propiedad de seis acres, escondida en el este de Sonoma, es un parque público increíble y jardín de demostración en el Valle de Sonoma, hogar a una amplia gama de hábitats junto a sistemas diseñados sosteniblemente para propósitos agrícolas y paisajistas.

Introduction to Backpacking Course @ Robert Ferguson Observatory
Mar 30 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Introduction to Backpacking Course @ Robert Ferguson Observatory | Kenwood | California | United States

Join Sugarloaf docents Inga Aksamit and Andy Westbom for a three-hour course covering basics and examining gear.  There will be examples of all the gear needed. No actual hiking is involved in this instructional session. The goal is to introduce participants to modern, lightweight backpacking strategies. We’ll touch on topics such as: equipment, trip planning, navigation, food, water treatment, common problems in the backcountry and how to avoid them. You don’t need a heavy pack to enjoy a wilderness experience.

If you’ve never backpacked, or it’s been decades, this is for you! There will be tips for all—from backpacking with children to considerations for seniors. Both Inga and Andy are experienced guides in the Sierra and beyond.

Tickets are $15-$20 sliding scale for general audiences, $7.5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds), Sugarloaf members and Sugarloaf volunteers. Meet at the Observatory classroom. Bring a pen and notebook, water, and your questions. Parking fees apply.

Ease of access: the Robert Ferguson Observatory is located within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. There is one van-designated parking spot and although not ADA or van-designated, there is more parking adjacent to the Observatory/group camp and at the White Barn lot. The observatory has a wooden ramp from the designated parking space to the main level deck. Inside the classroom, seating is fluid and mobile. There is an accessible stall in the bathroom inside the building and an accessible porta-potty at the group camp (directly outside the observatory). 

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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Apr
5
Fri
Blooms & Birds @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Blooms & Birds @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

CA Naturalist Carolyn Greene leads this wildflower hike along Lower Bald Mountain Trail through mixed evergreen forest and chaparral. Enjoy the warming spring sun, the variety of colors, shapes, scents, and arrangements peeking through the vegetation, as well as the added bonus of whatever birds cross our path.

Tickets are $10-$15 sliding scale for adults, $5 for students, youth, Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children under 12. Meet at the White Barn. Wear hiking shoes, layers appropriate for weather, bring at least a quart of water, sun protection, a camera, and a wildflower or bird guide if you have it. Parking fees apply. Heavy rain cancels.

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.

______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar of events.