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.
Watershed Protection Program
In response to widespread damage caused by the Glass Fire, Sonoma Ecology Center as relaunched the Watershed Protection Program.
If you are a Sonoma Valley landowner with burned structures on the property, or if you would like to volunteer to protect our watershed from runoff pollution, we invite you to participate in the Watershed Protection Program.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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, sign up in Volgistics. Otherwise, sign up here.
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, sign up in Volgistics. Otherwise, sign up here.
Sonoma County Trails Council volunteer trail work day at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. From 9am to about 1pm. We will provide parking passes, tools and Clif bars with beverages and snacks afterwards.
Bring gloves, a hat and water that you can take with you (hands free!) while working, and wear long pants, boots or hiking shoes and sunscreen. No experience necessary – we have tools and trained crew leaders with tasks for all strengths and sizes of volunteers.
In order to make sure we have enough tools and after-work beverages reply to trailscouncil@sonic.net if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
VISIT OUR PARTNER WEBSITES
SUPPORT OUR WORK
We can’t do it without you!
LANDSCAPING BROCHURE
See our brochure on fire smart, water wise and wildlife friendly landscaping.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS
The Ecology Blog
Watch Nature Heal at Sugarloaf
With most trails reopened, green shoots growing and animals returning, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is the place to be to see the land recover from wildfire. The park—operated by Sonoma Ecology Center on behalf of the California State Parks system—has reopened all but...
Our Parks Remain Open, but Events Are Canceled
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Sonoma County has imposed a new stay-at-home order starting Saturday, Dec. 12 and ending Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. This order will result in the following changes to Sonoma Ecology Center’s events and services: * At Sugarloaf...
Three Years Later, the Cat Came Back
Beloved SEC Employee Deb Hennessy Reunited with Her Beloved Cat Mordecai The wildfires of 2017 were harrowing for Sonoma Valley residents. For Deb Hennessy, they led to the loss of a four-legged friend. In the early morning hours of Oct. 9, 2017, Deb, a Glen Ellen...
Post-Fire Work and Wattle Workshops Mark Start of Rainy Season for SEC
As the season’s first rains begin to fall, and with dozens of burned structures left behind by the Glass fire, Sonoma Ecology Center has hit the ground running—or more precisely, wattling. With the relaunch of our Watershed Protection Program—designed to shore up the...