Earthlings Calendar
Earthlings youth-led volunteers meet every Monday at 7:00pm on Zoom and every Wednesday at 1:15-4:00pm at Sonoma Garden Park. To join or learn about summer hours, send us an email at earthlings@sonomaecologycenter.org.
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. a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Long sleeves are recommended 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.
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We are selling a variety of California native plants to the public every Friday from 12:00-3:00 pm to help local gardeners create and maintain drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly gardens and landscapes. Simply drop into our Native Plant Nursery. For questions, email our Native Plant Nursery Manager at hannah@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Our weekly plant sales will be cancelled October 6, 13, and 20, and November 24, 2023.
Sign up for our emailing list to stay updated on future events: sonomaecologycenter.org/newsletters-sign-up.
Venderemos una variedad de plantas nativas Californianas al público cada viernes de 12:00 a 3:00 pm para ayudar a jardineros locales a crear y mantener jardines y paisajes resistentes a la sequía y amigables a polinizadores. Simplemente acude a nuestro vivero de plantas nativas (ubicado dentro de Sonoma Garden Park). Si tienes preguntas, manda un email a nuestra gerente del vivero de plantas nativas por hannah@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Nuestra venta de plantas semanal en octubre 6, 13, y 20 se ha cancelado para prepararnos para nuestra venta estacional el 21 de octubre.
Inscríbete a nuestro boletín de noticias electrónico para estar al tanto de nuestros eventos futuros: sonomaecologycenter.org/newsletters-sign-up.
The Hiking for Fitness Series is back! Join us for the Beginner Hiking for Fitness program, where the leaders will guide you on a series of 8 weekly hikes with the challenge increasing each week. Before the first hike, the leader will discuss proper shoes, hydration, incorporating hiking poles, proper pacing, etc. The group’s final hike aims for the route up Brushy Peaks Trail, where hikers can enjoy the beautiful vistas.
The following is a list of possible routes specifically selected for this hiking series:
1) Sat 5/11 – White Barn to Uranus, 2.1 miles, 180 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
2) Sat 5/18 – Hillside-Meadow loop, 3 miles, 490 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
3) Sat 5/25 – Lower Bald Mtn-Stern loop +, 2.5 miles, 586 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
4) Sat 6/1 – Jack London State Historic Park, May’s Clearing (map link), 3.5 miles, 820 ft elev [meet @ upper parking lot, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442] (this specific date meets at 9:00 am)
5) Sat 6/8 – Vista Trail loop, 3.5 miles, 830 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
6) Sat 6/15 – Stern + Waterfall loop, 2.7 miles, 750 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
7) Sat 6/22 – Sonoma Valley Regional Park & Lake Suttonfield loop, 4.3, miles, 770 ft elev [meet at Valley of the Moon Trailhead, Sonoma Valley Regional Park, on Arnold Dr.]
8) Sat 6/29 – Hillside to Neptune picnic table, 4.4 miles, 970 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
Please note these routes are subject to change. Wear appropriate footwear for muddy or slippery trails and layers, as the group hikes in light rains. Bring at least a quart of water, and if desired, a snack. The group will be limited to 35 participants.
The hiking series costs $80, or free-of-cost for participants with an April 2024 or newer ParkRx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx info. The number of available ParkRx tickets is limited; please have your ParkRx ready at the time of sign up.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar of events.
Join SEC Staff as we explore the enchanting 960-acre Saddle Mountain preserve, nestled above Rincon Valley in the breathtaking Mayacamas Mountain Range on the eastern boundary of Santa Rosa. Led by the knowledgeable SEC education program manager, Tony Passantino, this guided hike promises an immersive experience on Ag + Open Space-owned land recently touched by the Glass Fire.
Discover the fascinating world of post-fire land management as we delve into topics such as wildfire ecology, forest resiliency, and the many benefits of fire on California native landscapes. This moderately strenuous hike spans approximately 4 miles, offering a thrilling journey along established trails and fire roads with substantial elevation gain.
As you traverse the picturesque landscape, be prepared to encounter a shallow water crossing that may require getting your feet wet, adding an element of excitement to the adventure—especially after recent rains. Remember to pack water and a snack, and equip yourself for the day’s weather. While the hike proceeds in light rain, heavy rain will regrettably lead to cancellation.
We will be meeting at Rincon Valley Regional Library. Address: 6959 Montecito Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95409.
This outing comes at no cost, thanks to the support of the voters of Sonoma County who fund the incredible work of Ag + Open Space through a quarter-cent sales tax. For any inquiries or concerns, reach out to Tony Passantino at tony@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Photo courtesy of Andrea Dunlap.
Enjoy your yoga experience in the beautiful setting of our park! Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation, no mat necessary. The route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. All levels and ages welcome.
Tickets are $30 for general audiences and include parking if registered in advance online. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed). The April hike will meet at the Goodspeed parking lot, whereas the May hike will meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with an April 2024 or newer ParkRx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx info.
Ease of access: we’re unable to determine ease of access as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (mud, small water crossings, slippery trails, etc).
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
UPDATE 4/17, 1:40 PM: The April Yoga Hike has been canceled due to lack of sign-ups.
Enjoy your yoga experience in the beautiful setting of our park! Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation, no mat necessary. The route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. All levels and ages welcome.
Tickets are $30 for general audiences and include parking if registered in advance online. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed). The April hike will meet at the Goodspeed parking lot, whereas the May hike will meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with an April 2024 or newer ParkRx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx info.
Ease of access: we’re unable to determine ease of access as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (mud, small water crossings, slippery trails, etc).
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
¡Ven a conocer más acerca de nuestro universo! Los docentes del Observatorio Robert Ferguson (ubicado dentro del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge) nos guiarán en una charla astronómica bilingüe y en el uso de telescopios para que usted y su familia puedan observar el cosmos. El evento comenzará a las 7:00 pm en el aula del Observatorio con una presentación.
La admisión es $10 para adultos, $5 para jóvenes (12 a 18 años; debe ser acompañado por un adulto responsable), y gratis para menores 12 años. Si posees una tarjeta de EBT, el dueño y tres familiares pueden asistir por gratis a través del programa Museums for All. Regístrate por adelantado ya que el espacio es limitado y se llenará pronto. Recomendamos asistir abrigado, traer agua, una linterna pequeña de mano para aluzar el camino del estacionamiento del granero blanco al estacionamiento del Observatorio, (pero no puede ser usada cerca del Observatorio a menos que tenga un filtro rojo) y si la tienes, una guía al cosmos norteamericano. Nos reuniremos en el estacionamiento del granero blanco. El estacionamiento, usualmente $10, es gratis para este evento.
Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama a Alma al 707-247-5767. Condiciones lluviosas cancelan el evento.
Facilidad de acceso: el Observatorio Robert Ferguson se ubica dentro del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge. Cuenta con un espacio designado para estacionar vans que necesitan acceso y aunque no oficialmente, hay mucho estacionamiento que puede ser accesible en esa misma área y en el estacionamiento del granero blanco. Hay una rampa que oficialmente cumple con los requerimientos de la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) para ingresar al observatorio. El área de asentamiento en el aula principal del observatorio está compuesto de sillas que fácilmente pueden moverse. Hay baños disponibles dentro del edificio, incluyendo uno accesible. El telescopio de la sala oeste tiene una rampa portátil, y el telescopio de la sala este es una pantalla grande instalada en la pared.
Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para aprender más acerca de RFO, visita su página de internet. Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario.
Senderos & RFO: Star Observing (en español)
Saturday, May 11, 9:00-11:00 pm
Come learn more about our universe! Robert Ferguson Observatory (inside Sugarloaf Ridge State Park) docents will guide us in a bilingual astronomical presentation and in the use of telescopes for you and your family to observe the cosmos. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. in the Observatory classroom with a presentation.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for youth (12-18 year olds; must be accompanied by a responsible adult), and free for children under 12 years old. If you have a current EBT card, the owner and three family members from the same household can register for free through the Museums for All Program. Please register in advance, as space is limited and this event will fill up quickly. This event is planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking Latino audience. Families from underrepresented groups are encouraged to attend. Wear layers, bring water, a small flashlight (for walking to the gate only; white light is not to be used around the Observatory unless it has a red filter). We’ll meet at the White Barn parking lot. Parking, usually $10, will be waived for this event thanks to the generosity of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
For more information, email us at senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org or call Alma al 707-247-5767. Rainy conditions cancel.
Ease of access: the Robert Ferguson Observatory is located within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. There is one van-designated parking spot and although not ADA or van-designated, there is more parking adjacent to the Observatory/group camp and at the White Barn lot. The observatory has a wooden ramp from the designated parking space to the main level deck. Inside the classroom, seating is fluid and mobile. There is an accessible stall in the bathroom inside the building and an accessible porta-potty at the group camp (directly outside the observatory). The telescope in the west wing has a mobile ramp and the telescope in the east wing projects off a screen attached to the wall.
Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
To learn more about RFO, visit their website. For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
We invite you to a serene and rejuvenating experience amidst the beauty of nature at Sonoma Garden Park. Led by Simone York, an ANFT certified forest therapy guide, this 2-hour guided session is designed to help you slow down, engage your senses, and deepen your connection with the natural world.
Our Spring nature therapy series will take place on:
- Sunday February 18, 2024
- Sunday March 10, 2024
- Sunday April 14, 2024
- Sunday May 12, 2024
- The event will take place 9:00-11:00 am every session.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature.
- Discover tranquility and inner calm.
- Cultivate a deeper connection with the environment and yourself.
- Enjoy a shared tea session at the conclusion.
This event is suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels. No prior experience is necessary. We will be limiting the group to 15 participants to ensure an intimate experience, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
If you would like to inquire for more information, please reach out to our guide, Simone York, at sonomavalleywellness@gmail.com.
About the location: Sonoma Garden Park is a sanctuary nestled in eastern Sonoma, and a public park currently managed by Sonoma Ecology Center in collaboration with the City of Sonoma and other partners. The park serves as a recreational haven, a vital resource for preserving the area’s natural beauty, and an example of water conservation and sustainable landscaping. Spanning across 6.1 acres, this remarkable property boasts diverse ecosystems alongside sustainable agricultural and landscaping systems, making it an invaluable asset to Sonoma Valley. Learn more about Sonoma Garden Park here.
We are pleased to inform you that there is no cost associated with this outing, thanks to the generous support of the voters of Sonoma County who fund the endeavors of Ag + Open Space through a quarter-cent sales tax.
Embrace the tranquility of Sunday mornings at Sugarloaf as our experienced instructor, Diana Latorre, 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. Tickets are $15-20 sliding scale for general audiences. Wear layers, comfortable footwear, bring water, sun protection, and if desired, a snack. Not recommended for children under 16.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with an April 2024 or newer ParkRx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx 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 approximately 0.2 miles from the amphitheater and the White Barn Lot approximately 0.25 miles. Should further accessibility accommodations be required, please email alma@sonomaecologycenter.org as soon as possible.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
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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.
