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
Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder as you explore the park after dark. This hike begins at the White Barn and heads up either to Bald Mountain or to the viewpoint on Vista Trail, where we will see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley.
The Bald Mountain route via Grey Pine is strenuous, covering 6.5 miles with 1500+ of vertical with some steep sections. The final route will be decided by the hike leader. It leaves the White Barn parking lot at 5pm. This route is not recommended for minors under 12.
The Vista Trail route is a moderate-to-strenuous 4-mile hike with 700ft of elevation and begins at 6pm.
Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for minors plus a $10 parking fee. Be at the meeting location at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the hike for a prompt departure. Bring water, snacks, and extra layers for the evening.
Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work. Work includes 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. Poison oak is present, so long sleeves are suggested. 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 State Parks volunteer, signup in Volgistics.
Otherwise, sign up here.
Yoga y bienestar en Sonoma Garden Park en español
Desconecta del estrés y conecta con tu interior. En este programa aprenderás movimientos y herramientas simples y efectivas para relajarte, rejuvenecerte y cultivar tu bienestar físico, mental y emocional.
Comienzo: Viernes Septiembre 3:00pm a las 6:00pm
Duración: 6 semanas
Localidad: Sonoma Garden Park, Sonoma CA
¡Inscribete hoy! ivana@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama al 707 484 8440 Espacios limitados
Este es un programa gratuito patrocinado por el distrito Ag + Open Space del condado de Sonoma. Sonoma Garden Park es un terreno protegido a través de Ag + Open Space
Yoga and wellness at Sonoma Garden Park in Spanish
Disconnect from stress and speed. Connect with your interior and experience well-being. In this course, you’ll learn simple and effective exercises to rejuvenate and feel comfort in your body and mind. You will take home inspiration to use every day and cultivate your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These classes are free!
Start: Friday, September 3 at 6 PM
Location: Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 7th street east, Sonoma CA
Duration: 6 weeks
Sign up today! ivana@sonomaecologycenter.org or call 707 484 8440 Limited spaces
This is a free event sponsored by the Sonoma County Ag + Open Space District. Sonoma Garden Park is protected land through the Ag + Open Space.
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).
We will hold two walks on August 28th and September 25th: 9:30am-12:30pm and 2-5pm. Tickets are only valid for the time selected.
Join us for a 1.4-mile nature hike along the Sonoma Creek. On the hike your leader will teach you about the plants, animals, and aquatic life of Sonoma Creek. The hike starts outside the Visitor Center. Free. As of June 15, RSVP is not needed. Parking charges apply.
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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
From August to September: An Update on our Watershed
Over the course of just one month we're observing intensifying conditions in our creeks. As we enter the month of September we’re feeling that familiar warm weather typical of late summer in the San Francisco Bay Area. These hot end of season days are making their...
Emergency Information You Can Use
Here are links to real-time information intended to help locals monitor the status of nearby wildfires, air quality, weather changes and power shutoffs. Hot weather, dry vegetation and increased wind speeds always mean greater fire danger, and we urge everyone to...
Update on the Endangered Kenwood Marsh Checkerbloom
We are excited to share an update on the endangered Kenwood Marsh Checkerbloom from Ayla Mills, Nursery Propagation Manager of our Native Plant Nursery at Sonoma Garden Park. Ayla graduated from Chico State University with a M.S. in biology with a focus in botany. She...
Wildlife Footage from a Backyard in Sonoma Valley
Enjoy this amazing wildlife footage from the backyard of a Sonoma Valley resident! Follow us on YouTube for more exciting and educational videos.