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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The SugarShuttle is canceled until further notice. Please continue to check our calendar of events for updates. (7/3/2020)
Want to do a through hike from N. Sonoma to Jack London Park or vice versa?
Catch a ride on the SugarShuttle!
The SugarShuttle is heading to…
N. Sonoma Mountain Regional Park ↔ Jack London State Historic Park
HOW IT WORKS
Every half hour our Shuttle will leave from either North Sonoma Mountain (on the hour) or Jack London State Park upper lot (on the half hour). Make a reservation, and then ride to the other end of the trail, or hike and ride back. Riding first and hiking back to your car is the easiest way—no worries about how long you take to finish your hike.
——–CHECK OUR TIMETABLES HERE———
https://sugarloafpark.org/events/sugar-shuttle-2020/
We recommend a reservation, but you can ride on a space available basis as well.
This 9-mile one-way hike should take 4 to 5 hours. This is why we recommend dropping your car off at one end and riding the shuttle to the other so you’re not having to wait for the shuttle to return when you finish your strenuous hike. The hike includes nearly 2,000 feet of climbing, so bring sunscreen, snacks, and lots of water.
Map here. http://ridgetrail.outerspatial.com/applications/12/embed#14/38.3443/-122.5625
Suggested donation: $10/rider.
Come to the weekly Harvest Market at Sonoma Garden Park every Saturday morning from 9am to noon. We grow fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers, keep chickens and bees, and more on this 6.1-acre city-owned park. Fresh produce, eggs, honey and other locally grown foods are available.
Social distancing protocols are observed. Please wear a mask and provide six feet of space indoors. A disinfecting station will be available.
Sonoma Garden Park is located at 19996 7th St. East, Sonoma.
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 at the Visitors Center. No fee, but parking charges apply.
The first hike starts at 9:30am, second starts at 11 am. Sign up at Visitor Center or RSVP to alma@sonomaecologycenter.org
Limited to 12 participants.
The SugarShuttle is canceled until further notice. Please continue to check our calendar of events for updates. (7/3/2020)
Want to do a through hike from N. Sonoma to Jack London Park or vice versa?
Catch a ride on the SugarShuttle!
The SugarShuttle is heading to…
N. Sonoma Mountain Regional Park ↔ Jack London State Historic Park
HOW IT WORKS
Every half hour our Shuttle will leave from either North Sonoma Mountain (on the hour) or Jack London State Park upper lot (on the half hour). Make a reservation, and then ride to the other end of the trail, or hike and ride back. Riding first and hiking back to your car is the easiest way—no worries about how long you take to finish your hike.
——–CHECK OUR TIMETABLES HERE———
https://sugarloafpark.org/events/sugar-shuttle-2020/
We recommend a reservation, but you can ride on a space available basis as well.
This 9-mile one-way hike should take 4 to 5 hours. This is why we recommend dropping your car off at one end and riding the shuttle to the other so you’re not having to wait for the shuttle to return when you finish your strenuous hike. The hike includes nearly 2,000 feet of climbing, so bring sunscreen, snacks, and lots of water.
Map here. http://ridgetrail.outerspatial.com/applications/12/embed#14/38.3443/-122.5625
Suggested donation: $10/rider.
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. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We will provide tools, food and beverages. If you are a current State Parks volunteer, signup in vicnet. If you are an SEC volunteer, sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4aaca62ca3ff2-sugarloaf1
VISIT OUR PARTNER WEBSITES
PROJECT MAP
An interactive map of our work in Sonoma Valley.
READ OUR 2019 IMPACT REPORT
FOLLOW US
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
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Sonoma Garden Park and Montini Open Space Preserve and Sonoma Overlook Trail, are open to the public, including the campgrounds at Sugarloaf. Normal social distancing protocols continue to apply at all parks and open spaces.
• Avoid drinking fountains (bring your own water)
• Keep a distance of at least 6 feet with anyone not in your immediate household
• Carry a face mask and put it on if necessary (for example, when passing someone on a trail closer than 6 feet)
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Buy your Sugarloaf Ridge State Park day or annual pass ahead of time
The Ecology Blog
Research Team Monitors Stream Temps
This past month, our Research team expanded on a system to monitor water temperatures throughout Sonoma Creek and its tributaries, giving us important new data on the watershed’s overall health. Responding to a need for more complete data on temperatures in the...
Mobile Kilns Bring Biochar Production to Forest, Farm and Ranch
As the planet heats up, so does interest in practical, affordable and scalable methods for drawing carbon out of the atmosphere. This helps explain the growing popularity of biochar, a “super charcoal” that improves soil, conserves water and sequesters carbon all at...
Valley Succotash
Sonoma Ecology Center Victory Gardens are now yielding summer squash, peas, and beans in gardens throughout Sonoma Valley. We asked our friends at Valley Bar + Bottle to create a recipe using these ingredients. Indigenous farming traditions across America and Mexico...
Local Experts Give Fire-Smart Landscaping Advice in Upcoming Workshop
The Grove Street Fire Safe Council, a tax-exempt Sonoma Valley organization dedicated to mitigating wildfire risk, will co-sponsor an online workshop later this month on how to create landscapes that are beautiful, sustainable and fire-smart. The free workshop,...
