Since 1990, we’ve 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. Supporting our work enables us to move us all towards a better future.
Who We Are
Sonoma Ecology Center works to address challenges related to water supply and quality, open space, rural character, biodiversity, energy, climate change, and a better quality of life for all residents.
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.
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.
Upcoming Events
Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work. Work includes bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying and hiking. Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Poison oak is present, so long sleeves are suggested. 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 in to Better Impact to sign up. Otherwise, start here to become a volunteer.
Choose your own adventure! Part of our Hiking for Fitness program, these free, moderate-to-strenuous group hikes are geared to keep you motivated through the cold season. Parking fees apply. Hikes are (usually) every second and fourth Saturday of the month.
route B: Crazy 8 Waterfall Loop + Vista Trail circuit: 6.5mi, 1400ft elevation, meets @ main lot
route B: Goodspeed to Gunsight Rock: 6.5 mi, 2080 ft elevation, meets @ Goodspeed lot
route B: Vista to Bald Mountain Loop: 6 mi, 1520 ft elevation, meets @ White Barn lot
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[Español abajo]
Using all local greenery and forest findings, you will learn and create winter decor using techniques for unique “partial wreaths” as well as the “bundle and loop” rings of glory. Join us to participate in the ancient tradition of wreath making and bring home the perfect winter welcome to use as a door or wall decoration. Whether yours is a traditional evergreen wreath or a new year vine “hoop of hope,” its intention will shine through. Julia Megna, owner of Florals and Nature Decor by Julia will also demonstrate how to make garlands, swags, centerpieces and tablescapes. Please bring hand clippers or scissors. Merriment and crafting fun will keep us warm, but please dress in layers and bring a mug for hot drinks. We will be outside at picnic tables or inside the straw bale barn.
We have two sessions, the first session is from 10:00 am-12:00 pm and the second session is from 12:30-2:30 pm. Both sessions will be bilingual English and Spanish.
This event is led by Julia Megna, Sonoma Ecology Center’s Education Project Manager and Alma Shaw, Senderos Coordinator for Team Sugarloaf and Sonoma Ecology Center.
Please register in advance here.
Taller de coronas
11 de diciembre del 2022
10:00 AM a 12:00 PM ó 12:30 a 2:30 PM
Utilizando verdor y materiales encontrados en bosques locales, aprenderá y creará decoraciones invernales utilizando técnicas para únicas “coronas parciales” al igual que “aros de gloria” hechos con manojos. Acompáñenos a participar en la antigua tradición de construir coronas y traer al hogar la perfecta bienvenida invernal para usar como decoración de puerta o pared. Ya sea una guirnalda tradicional de hoja perenne o un ‘aro de esperanza’ para el año nuevo, su intención brillará a través de ella. Julia Megna, dueña de Florals and Nature Decor por Julia también demostrará cómo hacer guirnaldas, piezas de centro de mesa, y ‘paisajes de mesa’.
Por favor trae tijeras de podar o regulares. La alegría estacional y las manualidades nos mantendrán cálidos pero por favor viste capas y trae una taza para bebidas calientes. Este taller se realizará al aire libre en mesas de picnic o dentro del granero. Tendremos dos talleres, el primer de 10:00 am-12:00 pm y el segundo de 12:30-2:30 pm. Ambas sesiones serán español-inglés bilingües.
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Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work. Work includes bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying and hiking. Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Poison oak is present, so long sleeves are suggested. 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 in to Better Impact to sign up. Otherwise, start here to become a volunteer.
Every 3rd Friday of the month from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm we welcome existing and new volunteers for a fun morning of work and community building at Sonoma Garden Park. Depending on the season activities include prepping fields, planting, harvesting, weeding, pruning trees and prepping produce for the seasonal Saturday Harvest market.
Join us for a fun opportunity to enjoy the bounty of each season, and to share and learn from other gardeners. Existing and new volunteers are encouraged to attend—no experience is necessary! Please be sure to bring your gardening gloves, hat, SPF and water. At noon you enjoy a light garden fresh lunch at our shady picnic area provided by Sonoma Ecology Center as a thank you to our wonderful volunteers!
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2022 Impact Report
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SDC Specific Plan Update
The Sonoma Developmental Center campus Starting with the establishment of the County's first recognized wildlife corridor across the Sonoma Developmental Center in 1998, and the eventual transfer of 600 acres of SDC's open space lands to Jack London State Historic...
Fall and Winter Garden Maintenance
If you need help with native plants garden planning, Sonoma Ecology Center offers landscape design as a fee-for-service program. Our firewise designs apply habitat and water conservation principles, using native plants, customized to your property, to reach...
Climate Watch: New Climate Column from Sonoma Ecology Center
This post was originally published in the Sonoma Index-Tribune Climate Column on November 3, 2022. The Sonoma Ecology Center is excited to share our voice on this new, monthly Climate Column. By Richard Dale A friend in Sonoma noted that last year, when the actor...
Watershed Education Program Returns to Fully In-Person Instruction for 2022-2023! | ¡El programa de educación de la cuenca hidrográfica regresa en persona a las escuelas durante el 2022-2023!
The Watershed Education Program from Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) equips Sonoman youth with the quality environmental science they need to become the next generation of stewards and policy makers. We provide valuable and hands-on education about our lived environments:...