We’re excited to celebrate the 50th year of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, the 25th year of Sonoma Garden Park, a more inclusive Education Department, and an expanded Restoration Department.
See Our Special Sugarloaf Anniversary Memberships
Note to upper Sonoma Creek land owners: We are seeking input for a steelhead habitat project. Please help out by taking this brief survey.
Upcoming Events
Public holiday in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming
Come to the park for a peaceful hike through the woods, join our Docent’s for this fun family hike that is good for all ages. During this 2 miles hike with a 400 foot vertical, you will learn about Sugarloaf Park and its plants, animals, and history. Weather permitting, the hike will begin and end at the Visitors Center. No RSVP needed, and no charge for the hike. Parking fees apply.
Join Mary Good on a hike exploring the Medicinal and Edible plants of the park. Weaving in natural history, ethnobotany, herbalism and folktales, this walk will open your senses, as well as your curiosity to the abundance of plantlore in Sonoma County. 9:30 AM to 12 PM. Be prepared for a 2 to 3 mile walk with a 300 foot climb. Meet at the visitors center. $10.00 per adult, 18 and under free. Parking fees still apply. Edible plant information is for educational purposes only. Foraging is illegal in CA State Parks.
Purchase tickets here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4029785
On the fourth Saturday of every month, the Nathanson Stewards meet at the corner of East MacArthur and Second Street East, put on their gloves, and have a fun and productive morning tending the native garden located there.
This event is guided by trained restoration technicians from Sonoma Ecology Center, with a focus on native gardening and landscaping. The subject matter will vary with the seasons, and our technicians will demonstrate proper techniques for caring for the different native plants located within the Nathanson garden. Volunteers are asked to bring sunscreen or a hat, bottled water, a sack lunch and work gloves, and to wear closed-toed shoes. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
We’ll meet at the Nathanson Creek Preserve Garden located on the corner of East MacArthur Street and Second Street East in Sonoma. Activities may include:
- Weeding
- Trash pick-up
- Getting to know your neighbors
- Learning about native plants
- Sharing a sack lunch
- Connecting with nature at your local park
For questions or to express interest, please email nathansonstewards@gmail.com or patrick@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Are you interested in learning more on ways to protect habitats and natural resources here in Sonoma?
The Sonoma Ecology Center with support from the California Invasive Plant Council will be holding an upcoming workshop on invasive plant management. Topics will include the top 10 invasive species of Sonoma, along with the best ways to control them. We’ll also discuss post-fire invasive plant and fuel management, and end with ways you can help, from mapping to volunteering.
Please join us at the Sonoma Garden Park on Saturday, Feb. 23rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register with Cal-IPC here.
Visit our partner websites:
Sugarloaf Ridge SP, Sonoma Garden Park & Sustainable Sonoma
Project Story Map
Click on the image below for an interactive map showing our projects in Sonoma Valley.
Sign the SDC Petition
Sonoma Developmental Center is preparing for final closure after 127 years of operation. Please sign the petition urging Gov. Jerry Brown to protect this large swath of crucial open space located in the heart of Sonoma Valley.
Read our 2018 Impact Report
Click on the image for a pdf version.
Smarter Landscaping
Click on the image below for a pdf version of our brochure on fire smart, water wise and wildlife friendly landscaping.
Support Our Work
We can’t do it without you!
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Receive news in your inbox from Sonoma Ecology Center, Sonoma Garden Park or Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Follow Us
The Ecology Blog: What’s Happening in Sonoma Valley
SEC Seeks Input on Steelhead Habitat Project
The following letter is directed towards landowners with property located along upper Sonoma Creek from Madrone Road to Adobe Canyon. Going with the Flow: Seeking Community Input on Restoration for Steelhead Habitat in Upper Sonoma Creek Over the past century, our...
read more
A Reflection on Sugarloaf’s History as State Park Turns 50
The true history of the land of steep hillsides, lush meadows and fertile valleys known today as Sugarloaf Ridge State Park begins at least 7,000 years ago, when Wappo Indians occupied the region and used Sugarloaf as their summertime home and hunting ground. The...
read more
Every Rainstorm Is a Missed Opportunity
Heavy rains have Sonoma Valley's streams going strong right now, and much of that water rushes right past our communities on its way to the Bay. In fact, according to stream gauges, Wednesday’s powerful storms sent 1.6 billion gallons of water rushing by in just 24...
read more
SEC in 2019: A Look Ahead
The new year is off to a glorious start in Sonoma Valley as storm after storm cycles through. And while the rain falls outside, we’re busy making plans for 2019, looking for new and better ways to achieve and sustain ecological health in this beautiful place we call...
read more