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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

Update 3/28, 12:00 pm: This event has been postponed; future date TBD.

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). 

______________________
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.

Weekly California Native Plant Sale | Venta semanal de plantas nativas Californianas @ Native Plant Nursery at Sonoma Garden Park
Apr 5 @ 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.

Apr
6
Sat
Spring California Native Plant Sale | Gran venta de plantas nativas @ Sonoma Garden Park
Apr 6 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Spring California Native Plant Sale | Gran venta de plantas nativas @ Sonoma Garden Park | Sonoma | California | United States

[Traducido al español abajo]

The eagerly awaited 2024 Sonoma Native Nursery Plant Sale is set for April 6 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm, offering a diverse selection of native flora to enhance your gardens and support local ecosystems. Give a gift to your garden, your local pollinators, and yourself! We look forward to seeing you. No RSVP is required.

NATIVE PLANTS FOR SALE LIST.

La anticipada gran venta de plantas en el vivero de Sonoma Garden Park será el 6 de abril de 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Ofreceremos una diversa selección de plantas nativas para mejorar tu jardín y apoyar ecosistemas locales. ¡Haz un regalo a tu jardín, a tus polinizadores locales, y a tí mismo! Esperamos verte. Una lista de especies que tentativamente serán disponibles para comprar será publicada en esta página temprano en marzo. No requiere registración.

LISTA DE PLANTAS NATIVAS EN VENTA.

Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve Walk @ Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve
Apr 6 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve Walk @ Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve

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 conservation easement made possible by Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (Ag + Open Space) 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.

The dates for the Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve Walks 2024 are:

EACH WALK’S REGISTRATION WILL OPEN 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT TIME. THERE IS A LIMIT OF 2 TICKETS PER ORDER. You will be able to find when your desired walk will open registration by clicking “Get Tickets” at the bottom of this page.

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. 

Registration is required. Directions and day-of-contact information will be emailed upon registration. For additional information or questions about the outing, please contact Tony Passantino at 707.996.0712 ext. 124, or tony@sonomaecologycenter.org.

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.

Wondrous Wildflower Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 6 @ 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.


______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

RFO Public Star Party @ Robert Ferguson Observatory
Apr 6 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.

Star Parties: Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Starting at dusk, the Observatory’s three main telescopes are open for your viewing. Docents set up additional telescopes in front of the building. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.

You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend. Tickets are available at rfo.simpletix.com

FAQs:

  1. Map and Directions
  2. When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
  3. Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
  4. There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
  5. White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
    ◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
    ◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
    ◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
    ◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory.
  6. Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
  7. The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.

Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at (707) 833-6979.
For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website.


TICKETS

Apr
7
Sun
Sugarloaf New Volunteer Orientation & Social | Orientación y convivio para voluntarios nuevos @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 7 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sugarloaf New Volunteer Orientation & Social | Orientación y convivio para voluntarios nuevos @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

[En español abajo]

Enjoy the beauty of this special place in Sonoma Valley while joining our wonderful community of volunteers. Volunteer with Team Sugarloaf and become an integral piece in keeping Sugarloaf Ridge State Park operating. Join us for an orientation on April 7, 2024, from 1:00-5:00pm to learn about the history of Sugarloaf, how Sonoma Ecology Center operates the park, and what volunteer opportunities we have. The orientation will take place in the Robert Ferguson Observatory classroom followed by a volunteer social potluck at the group camp from 3:30-5:00 pm where you can meet some of our active volunteers.

Volunteers play a vital role at Sugarloaf. We have a host of volunteer opportunities to restore and maintain this natural treasure and to help to keep Sugarloaf open to the public. Initial training is provided, with periodic docent enrichment events. We need volunteers to:

– Become docents at the Visitor Center
– Direct visitors at the entrance kiosk
– Assist with data entry
– Aid project research and grant-writing
– Work on trail and park maintenance projects
– Facilitate special events and parking
– Spanish/English literacy and conversational fluency is a plus

View more volunteer opportunities and specifics in our website. Experience is not necessary but welcomed, as well as a willingness to learn and the desire to share that knowledge with our visitors. We ask for a minimum of 4 hours per month of volunteer service. Please create a Better Impact account to start the process. Bring a notepad and pen, a reusable drink container for warm beverages, dress in layers, and if you’re inclined, something to share for the potluck.

Attending a Volunteer Orientation is required to become a volunteer at Sugarloaf. English is needed for all positions. Spanish-English literacy or fluency is a plus for all positions. Please share this opportunity!

Ease of access: the Robert Ferguson Observatory has an ADA-compliant wooden deck/ramp to access the classroom. There is one van-designated parking spot and although not ADA or van designated, there is lots more parking adjacent to the Observatory/group camp. The group camp is a large area to the left of the Robert Ferguson Observatory. The ground is a mix of soil and woodchips navigable on a power chair. There is an accessible porta-potty and a water spigot on site. The picnic tables and benches are not ADA-compliant but are available.

CREATE YOUR BETTER IMPACT ACCOUNT

For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.


ESPAÑOL: Disfruta de la belleza de este lugar especial en el Valle de Sonoma mientras te unes a una maravillosa comunidad de voluntarios. Ven a ser voluntario con Team Sugarloaf y forma una parte integral en la operación del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge. Acompáñanos en una orientación para voluntarios nuevos el domingo 7 de abril, de la 1:0 a las 5:00pm para aprender acerca de la historia de Sugarloaf, cómo Sonoma Ecology Center opera el parque, y oportunidades de voluntariado. La orientación será dentro aula del Observatorio Robert Ferguson seguida por un convivio estilo potluck en el área de acampar en grupo de las 3:30 a las 5:00 pm, en donde podrás conocer a algunos de nuestros voluntarios vigentes.

Voluntarios desempeñan un rol vital en Sugarloaf. Tenemos muchas oportunidades para restaurar y mantener este tesoro natural y para ayudar a mantener Sugarloaf abierto al público. Proveemos capacitación inicial, con oportunidades periódicas de aprendizaje. Necesitamos voluntarios para:
-docentes en el centro de visitantes
-dirigir visitantes en el quiosco
-ayuda con entrada de datos
–ayuda con proyectos investigativos y propuestas para conseguir fondos
-trabajar en proyectos de mantenimiento en los senderos y alrededor del parque
-facilitar eventos especiales/estacionamiento
-continuar creciendo nuestros programas bilingües, especialmente en español e inglés

Encuentra más oportunidades voluntarias y especificaciones en nuestro sitio web. Experiencia no es necesaria pero bienvenida, al igual que la disposición de aprender y el deseo de impartir estos conocimientos con visitantes. Pedimos que voluntarios por favor estén disponibles un mínimo de 4 horas por mes. Por favor empieza el proceso creando un perfil en Better Impact. Ven abrigado, trae una libreta, un lapicero, tu contenedor de bebidas reusable, y si deseas, algo para compartir durante el convivio.

Se requiere atender la orientación de voluntarios para ser un voluntario en Sugarloaf. Todas las posiciones necesitan dominio del inglés; se valorará experiencia de candidatos bilingües en español e inglés. ¡Por favor comparte esta oportunidad!

Facilidad de acceso: Acceso al aula del Observatorio Robert Ferguson es mediante una rampa de madera que oficialmente cumple con los requerimientos de la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA). Hay un espacio designado para estacionar un vehículo como una miniván o más grande, y aunque el resto del área de estacionamiento no es designada como estacionamiento accesible, puede ser utilizada como accesible. El área de asentamiento dentro del aula principal del observatorio está compuesto de sillas que fácilmente pueden moverse para acomodar ingreso accesible. Hay baños disponibles dentro del edificio, incluyendo un cubículo accesible en cada baño. El área de acampar en grupo es un área grande fuera del observatorio. El suelo es una combinación de tierra y astillas de madera, que pueden ser navegado en una silla de ruedas con motor. Hay un baño portátil accesible y una llave de agua en el sitio. Las mesas de picnic no son accesibles pero están disponibles.

 

ABRE UNA CUENTA EN BETTER IMPACT

Para ver más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario