NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Sonoma Ecology Center is proud to be named Nonprofit of the Year by state Sen. Bill Dodd in acknowledgment of our 30-year history of environmental stewardship in Sonoma Valley.
Click to Learn More about this Special Honor
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
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.
Upcoming Events
We offer hikes, workshops and more all around Sonoma Valley.
Are you missing your sense of trust, safety, your home or beloved trees? This event is for anyone who still feels they are suffering negative effects from our recent fires or floods.
This walk honoring loss and resilience is a gentle Forest Bathing Walk designed to help those recovering from the traumatic impact of our natural disasters. This sensory immersion experience, inspired by the Japanese practice, Shinrin Yoku, has the potential to restore a sense of calm, safety and inner peace.
Leader, Susan Karle, combines her expertise in grief and trauma with her passion for partnering with Nature to provide optimal health.
Participants will experience:
* A leisurely stroll of less than 1 mile on a well maintained trail.
* A series of Invitations to enliven your sense of smell, sound, sight…
* Sharing circles to enhance the connection to Nature and each other.
These free events are sponsored by Healthcare Foundation of North Sonoma County with parking fees generously waived and event assistance provided by Sonoma Ecology Center/ Team Sugarloaf.
If your plans change and you’re unable to participate, please let us know two days prior so we can give your spot to someone else.
Sat 8/31 and Thursdays 9/19, 10/17 & 11/21. 10 AM – 12:15 PM.You are welcome to sign up for more than one. More info sent upon registration.
Our popular Beginning Hiking for Fitness Series en español.
Empezando en octubre, nuestro programa de excursiones para fomentar la aptitud física será ofrecida en español. Los guías le guiarán en una series de ocho caminatas semanales para excursionistas principiantes. Cada excursión aumentará en dificultad o duración.
Las excursiones seguirán la mismas rutas que el programa en inglés:
- 5 de octubre: nos reuniremos en el granero blanco y caminaremos a Urano. 2.2 millas, 80 pies de elevación.
- 12 de octubre: circuito Meadow- Hillside, empezando en el granero blanco y terminando en el campamento. 3 millas, 250 pies de elevación.
- 19 de octubre: caminaremos el circuito del Lago Ralphine en el Parque Regional Spring Lake. El punto de reunión es el estacionamiento donde empieza el sendero Cobblestone (6024 Channel Dr, Santa Rosa, CA, 95409) 4.3 millas, 250 pies de elevación.
- 28 de octubre: circuito Stern/ Pony Gate/ Canyon. 3 millas, 500 pies de elevación. Reunirse en el estacionamiento principal.
- 2 de noviembre: circuito May’s Clearing en el Parque Estatal Jack London. 3.7 millas, 430 pies de elevación. Reunirse en el estacionamiento superieror en 2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA, 95442.
- 9 de noviembre: circuito de los senderos Lower Bald/ Vista/ Meadow. 3.6 millas, 700 pies de elevación. Reunirse afuera del granero blanco.
- 16 de noviembre: mesa de picnic en el planeta Neptuno. 4.3 millas, 640 pies de elevación. Reunirse afuera del granero blanco.
- 23 de noviembre: circuito de los senderos Hillside y Vista. 4.7 millas, mil pies de elevación. Reunirse afuera del granero blanco.
Usualmente $80, esta series y el estacionamiento son gratuitos. A menos a que sea mencionado, todas las excursiones son los sábados, a las nueve de la mañana en el Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge. Por favor regístrese en: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4347253
Para más información, mande un correo electrónico a alma@sonomaecologycenter.org
¡Esperamos verl@s!
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. No RSVP needed, but parking fees apply. Maintenance Hikes are every second and fourth Saturday.
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: Brushy Peaks to Grey Pine: 6 mi, 1140 ft elevation, meets @ White Barn lot
route B: Vista to Bald Mountain Loop: 6 mi, 1520 ft elevation, meets @ White Barn lot
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 & Planting
Getting to know your neighbors
Learning about California native plants
Connecting with nature at your local park
For questions or to express interest, please email restoration@sonomaecologycenter.org
Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation. No mat necessary. Please wear weather appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed). Route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. Cost is $20 and includes parking if registered in advance online. Purchase the yoga pass for each group of 3 sessions this year and save $10. All levels and ages welcome. Meet at the Visitor’s Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike.
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Sugarloaf Ridge SP, Sonoma Garden Park & Sustainable Sonoma
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