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
Starting April 15, we are increasing the capacity of our hikes, walks, summer camps and other events. We will increase attendance to 20 people (up from 12) for hikes, walks and camps.
Sonoma Ecology Center’s “Earthling” Teen Volunteer Group is hosting a COVID-safe Earth Day celebration and creek cleanup at Nathanson Creek Preserve on Saturday, April 24, 9-10:30, 10:45-12:15, in honor of Earth Day and SEC’s 31st Anniversary! The event is open to people of all ages and there will be a variety of activities to safely participate in; from the scavenger hunt and seed planting (take home a pollinator sprouting cup) to cleaning up trash along the creek. In order to guarantee participants’ safety and to comply with Sonoma County’s health order governing outdoor activities, mask-wearing and other social distancing protocols will be in effect in all areas. The main activities, and the start of the creek cleanup, will be at the Nathanson Preserve Demonstration Garden at the corner of 2nd Street West and East MacArthur Street. (Please do not park in the MacArthur Place lot.). RSVPs are required
For questions or to register, please contact Tony Passantino, SEC education program manager, at tony@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Cleanup Event Details
Volunteers will clean up the restored section of Nathanson Creek behind Sonoma Valley High School and Adele Harrison Middle School.
A maximum of 12 volunteers per shift are allowed and RSVPs are required. Please arrive as close to the start time as possible for a brief safety talk beforehand.
Volunteers are asked to bring their own water and to wear comfortable shoes and layered clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Organizers will provide litter grabbers, garbage bags, buckets, and gloves; volunteers may bring their own work gloves and plastic bags if they have them.
After each cleanup event, recyclables will be separated from trash and the trash weighed and recorded.
Volunteers with weedwhackers needed to support the Sonoma Garden Park team! We invite you to Sonoma Garden Park on Earth Day, April 22 as well as Saturday, April 24, 9-12pm to help clear annual grasses from the park.
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. Recent articles have been written up in Oprah, Time Magazine, and National Geographic, as well as numerous other publications. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosts a Forest Therapy Series as part of its ParkRx Program the 4th Saturday of each month. These walks are led by certified ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) practitioners. Visit natureandforesttherapy.org for more info about this practice.
Tickets are $20 or free with a 2021 ParkRx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider (click here for more info).
Join Team Sugarloaf Docents for a spring wildflower walk in the post-fire environment of Sugarloaf.
These are leisurely 1-3 miles long along the Meadow/Hillside loop and Creekside Trail. This is a beginning to intermediate level hike. All trails contain small elevation gains with the exception of Meadow Trail. Wear appropriate footwear, bring water and dress in layers. Meet outside the Visitor Center.
The walk is $10, and an entry fee or park pass is required for vehicles. Participants are required to comply with County Health orders, including wearing a mask and observing at least a 6-foot distance from others outside their household.
Join Team Sugarloaf Docents for a spring wildflower walk in the post-fire environment of Sugarloaf.
These are leisurely 1-3 miles long along the Meadow/Hillside loop and Creekside Trail. This is a beginning to intermediate level hike. All trails contain small elevation gains with the exception of Meadow Trail. Wear appropriate footwear, bring water and dress in layers. Meet outside the Visitor Center.
The walk is $10, and an entry fee or park pass is required for vehicles. Participants are required to comply with County Health orders, including wearing a mask and observing at least a 6-foot distance from others outside their household.
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LANDSCAPING BROCHURE
See our brochure on fire smart, water wise and wildlife friendly landscaping.
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The Ecology Blog
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