
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.
We host guided hikes, workshops, and educational events throughout Sonoma Valley.
Sonoma Creek Watershed Maps


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

Sonoma Floods Again—an Eventful Week for our Watershed
A powerful storm flooded Sonoma this past Tuesday, February 4, 2025, following another atmospheric...

Remembering the Red Barn: A Legacy of Homesteading, History, and Renewal at Sugarloaf Ridge
September 2024 marked the four-year anniversary of the Glass Fire that destroyed the historic Red Barn at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Built over 100 years ago by the Hurd family, who homesteaded the area in 1914, the barn became a beloved landmark for hikers. Over time, the property changed hands, eventually becoming part of the state park in the 1960s. Professional photographer Diane Askew captured some of the last images of the barn before its destruction, preserving its memory. Diane’s photos now serve as a tribute to both the barn and her legacy following her passing in 2021.

Fungus Among Us February 6-9, 2025
By James Webb About James (Jim) Webb: Jim began volunteering with Sugarloaf Ridge State Park last February 2023 as a trail patrol volunteer. His experience in previous work with USFS lends itself to very detailed trail reports. His reports of “What’s...

Meet the new Sonoma Valley Collaborative Assistant Director, Maria Membrila
We are excited to introduce a new member our staff focused on leading the broadest coalition in Sonoma Valley—Sonoma Valley Collaborative—as it works on the housing affordability crisis that impacts every part of the community. Maria joins founding Sonoma Valley...