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
(Subject to cancellation due to air quality.)
Wednesday afternoons this fall, Sonoma Ecology Center educators will be providing what every kid needs after the laptops close: outdoor activities that are educational and fun.
Starting in September, our activity table will be set up at Sonoma Garden Park every Wednesday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., where kids will learn about harvesting and birdwatching and go on scavenger hunts.
Then in October, the action moves to Montini Preserve, where we’ll focus on indigenous people of the region and the beautiful oak woodland.
In November, the table goes to Maxwell Park, where kids explore “water wonders” and Sonoma Creek.
Parent or chaperone supervision is required. For more information, contact Tony Passantino at tony@sonomaecologycenter.org.
- Sonoma Garden Park is located at 19996 7th St. East
- Montini Preserve is located at 175 1st St. West
- Maxwell Park is located at 100 Verano Ave.
Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder as you explore the park after dark. This hike has two routes and heads up either to Bald Mountain or to the viewpoint on the Vista Trail, where we will see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley.
The Bald Mountain route starts at 5:00PM and meets at the group camp. It is strenuous and will cover 6.5 miles with 1500 plus of vertical with some steep sections.
The Vista Trail route is a moderate-to-strenuous 4-mile hike with 700ft of elevation. It begins at 5:15PM from the White Barn.
Be at the meeting location at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the hike for a prompt departure. Bring your mask, water, snacks, and extra layers for the evening. Parking fees and social distancing apply.
Tickets available at https://sec.simpletix.com/e/56343
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.
** Classes are offered Monday through Friday at 7, 9 or 11 a.m. **
Miss yoga? Practice outside!
During the pandemic, Sonoma Ecology Center is partnering with Sonoma Yoga Community to offer outdoor yoga classes at Sonoma Garden Park. A variety of classes such as Feel Good Yoga, Yinyasa Flow, Raja Flow and more are now being offered Monday through Friday at 7, 9 or 11 a.m. by the studio’s many great instructors, including SEC’s volunteer coordinator at the Garden Park, Ivana Nedelchev.
For more or to register, go to yogacommunity.net and click on the class schedule.
(Subject to cancellation due to air quality.)
Wednesday afternoons this fall, Sonoma Ecology Center educators will be providing what every kid needs after the laptops close: outdoor activities that are educational and fun.
Starting in September, our activity table will be set up at Sonoma Garden Park every Wednesday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., where kids will learn about harvesting and birdwatching and go on scavenger hunts.
Then in October, the action moves to Montini Preserve, where we’ll focus on indigenous people of the region and the beautiful oak woodland.
In November, the table goes to Maxwell Park, where kids explore “water wonders” and Sonoma Creek.
Parent or chaperone supervision is required. For more information, contact Tony Passantino at tony@sonomaecologycenter.org.
- Sonoma Garden Park is located at 19996 7th St. East
- Montini Preserve is located at 175 1st St. West
- Maxwell Park is located at 100 Verano Ave.
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Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is closed until further notice due to the impacts of the Glass and Shady fires. The Shady fire is currently burning within the park, with Goodspeed Trail and part of the McCormick addition potentially affected. All campers and hikers have been safely evacuated by staff.
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
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