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
Part of our Hiking for Fitness program, these free, moderate-to-strenuous group hikes are geared to keep you motivated through the cold season. Registration is required. Parking fees apply. Hikes are (usually) every second and fourth Saturday of the month.
12/9 – Vista to Bald Mountain Loop: 6 mi, 1520 ft elevation, meets @ White Barn lot
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
[¡En Español más abajo!]
Embrace the spirit of winter and tap into your creative side at our Winter Wreaths and Nature Decor Workshop. Join us on December 9 for a memorable crafting experience using locally-sourced greenery and forest treasures. Under the guidance of Julia Megna, the talented owner of Florals and Nature Decor by Julia, you will learn how to craft unique “partial wreaths” and elegant “bundle and loop” decorative rings.
What to Expect:
At this workshop you will have the opportunity to create your own winter-themed decor, perfect for adorning your door or walls. Discover the ancient tradition of wreath-making and infuse your creation with your own intentions, whether it’s a classic evergreen wreath or a “hoop of hope” for the New Year. Julia Megna will showcase her expertise by demonstrating how to craft garlands, swags, centerpieces, and tablescapes.
What to Bring:
- Please bring hand clippers or scissors.
- Stay cozy with layered clothing and bring a mug for hot drinks.
- We will be crafting outdoors at picnic tables or inside the straw bale barn.
Bilingual Sessions:
Session 1: 10:00 am-11:30 am
Session 2: 12:00 pm-1:30 pm
Both sessions will be conducted in English and Spanish to accommodate a diverse community.
This enchanting event is led by Julia Megna, Sonoma Ecology Center ‘s Education Project Manager and Alma Shaw, Coordinadora de Senderos para Team Sugarloaf y el Sonoma Ecology Center.
There is no charge for this outing, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax.
Space is limited, so secure your spot by registering in advance!
Ease of access: There is one accessible van-designated parking spot. An accessible portapotty is available via an accessible pathway further into the park. The workshop will take place at picnic tables set up on top of wood chips. Requests for further accommodations need to be made ASAP by emailing the event lead.
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Taller de Coronas Invernales y Decoración Natural
Fecha: 9 de diciembre de 2023
Ubicación: Sonoma Ecology Center, 19996 7th St E, Sonoma, CA 95476
Sesión 1: 10:00 am-11:30 am
Sesión 2: 12:00 pm-1:30 pm
Contacto: Alma Shaw – Alma@sonomaecologycenter
Sesiones Bilingües:
Ambas sesiones se llevarán a cabo en inglés y español para acomodar a una comunidad diversa.
¡Sumérgete en el espíritu del invierno y despierta tu lado creativo en nuestro Taller de Coronas Invernales y Decoración Natural! Únete a nosotros el 9 de diciembre para una experiencia de manualidades inolvidable utilizando vegetación local y tesoros del bosque. Bajo la guía de Julia Megna, talentosa propietaria de Florals and Nature Decor by Julia, aprenderás a crear “coronas parciales” únicas y elegantes anillos decorativos “bundle and loop”.
Lo que puedes esperar:
Crea tu propia decoración temática de invierno, perfecta para adornar tu puerta o paredes. Descubre la antigua tradición de hacer coronas e infunde tu creación con tus propias intenciones, ya sea una corona de hojas perennes clásica o un “aro de esperanza” para el Año Nuevo. Julia Megna mostrará su experiencia al demostrar cómo hacer guirnaldas, swags, centros de mesa y paisajes de mesa.
Qué traer:
- Por favor, trae tijeras de podar o tijeras normales.
- Mantente abrigado con ropa en capas y trae una taza para bebidas calientes.
- Estaremos creando al aire libre en mesas de picnic o dentro del granero de paca de paja.
Este encantador evento está dirigido por Julia Megna, Gerente del Proyecto de Educación del Sonoma Ecology Center, y Alma Shaw, Coordinadora de Senderos para Team Sugarloaf y el Sonoma Ecology Center.
Reconocimiento de financiamiento: No hay costo para esta salida, lo cual es posible gracias a los votantes del Condado de Sonoma, quienes financian el trabajo de Ag + Open Space con un impuesto de ventas de un cuarto de centavo.
El espacio es limitado, así que asegura tu lugar registrándote con anticipación.
Facilidad de acesso: El estacionamiento cuenta con un espacio de estacionamiento accesible para camioneta. Hay un baño portátil accesible dentro del jardín. Los caminos dentro del jardín son de cemento. El taller se dará lugar en las mesas de picnic junto al granero. El área de acampar está cuvierta de astillas de madera, haciendo la navegación de silla de ruedas difícil. Solicitud para acomodación especial pueden ser hechas por adelantado con alma@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Embrace the tranquility of Sunday mornings at Sugarloaf as our experienced instructor guides you in the ancient practice of Tai Chi. This gentle holistic wellness practice is perfect for beginners and those with limited mobility.
Meet at the amphitheater. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear and bring water. Not recommended for children under 16.
Tickets are $15 per session or $80 for all 6 dates. Sonoma County Resident? Free with an October 2023 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx info.
Ease of access: there are two main lots in the park: the main lot and the White Barn lot. Each lot has one van-designated accessible parking spot and an accessible porta-potty or vault toilet. Each parking lot has access to the ADA-compliant Creekside Nature Trail, which crosses the amphitheater. The trail measures approximately 0.45 miles one way, with the trailhead across the main parking lot being the shortest of the two ends. Should further accessibility accommodations be required, please call the Visitor Center at 707-833-5712 between 9:00am and 5:00pm.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Volunteers play a crucial role at keeping Sugarloaf Ridge State Park open and accessible to all! Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work by coming to our every-other-Thursday Volunteer Trail Crew. Activities include 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. Long sleeves are suggested as poison oak is present. 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 onto Better Impact to sign up. Not a Sugarloaf volunteer yet? RSVP to sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org no later than the Sunday prior to the work day to ensure we have lunch for you.
First-time volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to formally join our volunteer program if they’d like to support us more frequently. Start here to become a volunteer.
[Español abajo]
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!
Los voluntarios juegan un papel vital en el Garden Park. ¡Te invitamos a ensuciarte las manos cada tercer viernes de mes! Únete a nosotros de 9:00 am. a 12:00 pm y conoce a los voluntarios existentes y nuevos. Las actividades incluyen deshierbe, siembra, poda y cosecha. Después del trabajo, disfruta de un almuerzo ligero proporcionado por el Centro Ecológico de Sonoma.
Sonoma Garden Park está ubicado en 19996 7th St E, Sonoma, CA 95476 y es un proyecto del Sonoma Ecology Center.
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Understanding the connection between surface water, groundwater, and the environment with Caitlin Cornwall
By Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agency When Caitlin Cornwall walks along Sonoma Creek and observes the native plant habitat, listens to the birdsong in the air and watches the current rippling downstream, she knows that the health of the ecosystem depends...
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