Introducing Bryn Miller, Environmental Planner and Project Manager
This previous October, Sonoma Ecology Center welcomed Environmental Planner and Project Manager, Bryn Miller. Having spent the last ten years living and working in California, Bryn brings a passion for the environment and background in field work and local government...
Looking Ahead: Headwaters to Headwaters 2025
This April, over one hundred community members will set out on the trail together for Sonoma Ecology Center’s annual Headwaters to Headwaters fundraiser hike. Over the course of the day, hikers wind through the northern half of Sonoma Valley and the Mayacamas...
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park – Wildflower Update, February 17, 2025
Spring is arriving early at Sugarloaf, and the trails are beginning to bloom. While we may not have a super bloom, there is always something new to discover. Delicate blossoms, vibrant petals, and hidden gems are waiting along the trails for those who venture out.
Most wildflowers can be found along the trails, where you must hike in to see them up close. This week’s report comes from the Brushy Peaks, Gray Pine, and Meadow Trails, brought to you by Jim Webb. Come explore and see what’s in bloom!
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park-Wildflower Update, February 13, 2025
Hoary manzanita (Arctostaphylos canescens), photo courtesy of Jim Webb.By James Webb About James (Jim) Webb: Jim began volunteering with Sugarloaf Ridge State Park last February 2023 as a trail patrol volunteer. His experience in previous work with USFS lends itself...
Introducing Emma Melendy, Educator
This January, Sonoma Ecology Center welcomed Emma Melendy to our Education Team. As a previous Enviroleader and SEC Environmental Ambassador, Emma brings her personal experiences with SEC’s educational programming to the team, as well as a passion for working with...
Meet SEC’s Content & Communications Specialists: Aila & Stella
This fall, Sonoma Ecology Center grew its Community Engagement Team with two new members—Aila Fassett, Communications & Events Specialist, and Stella Favaro, Writer and Content Creator. Both Aila and Stella come to SEC with strong communications backgrounds and a...
Sonoma Floods Again—an Eventful Week for our Watershed
A powerful storm flooded Sonoma this past Tuesday, February 4, 2025, following another atmospheric river event over the weekend. 2.75 inches of rain fell on Tuesday in Sonoma, adding to the prior evening’s rain for a storm total of 3.15 inches. The atmospheric river...
Remembering the Red Barn: A Legacy of Homesteading, History, and Renewal at Sugarloaf Ridge
September 2024 marked the four-year anniversary of the Glass Fire that destroyed the historic Red Barn at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Built over 100 years ago by the Hurd family, who homesteaded the area in 1914, the barn became a beloved landmark for hikers. Over time, the property changed hands, eventually becoming part of the state park in the 1960s. Professional photographer Diane Askew captured some of the last images of the barn before its destruction, preserving its memory. Diane’s photos now serve as a tribute to both the barn and her legacy following her passing in 2021.
Fungus Among Us February 6-9, 2025
By James Webb About James (Jim) Webb: Jim began volunteering with Sugarloaf Ridge State Park last February 2023 as a trail patrol volunteer. His experience in previous work with USFS lends itself to very detailed trail reports. His reports of “What’s...
Transforming Playgrounds Through The Green Schoolyards Project
In October 2023, Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) received two planning grants from CAL FIRE to provide “greening” features and designs for 12 elementary schools in underserved communities, including four in Santa Rosa and eight in Pittsburg, located in the East Bay....
Digging Our Hands Into the Community Through Volunteer Work
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park’s volunteer Trail Crew gathers to conduct park and trail maintenance together. Trail Crew is one of several volunteer opportunities available at Sugarloaf, which build community amongst volunteers...
The Return of Sonoma’s Chinook
Photo courtesy of Leo DaleThis week in December marks the end of a multi-week Chinook salmon run throughout the Sonoma Creek Watershed which captivated the local community. Since late November, hundreds of Chinook have made their way up our watershed and have been...
SEC Launches Outdoor Gear Lending Library for Sonoma Environmental Education Collaborative Partners
We’re on a mission to spark curiosity, ignite wonder, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards by getting Sonoma Valley youth outside! This year, we have launched an outdoor gear lending library in support of expanding environmental education and...
Reducing Emissions and Boosting Soil Health With Biochar
Emissions testing in the Usal Forest Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) has been training foresters and agricultural producers how to process their surplus biomass into biochar for 10 years using the conservation burn and flame-cap kiln methods. Biochar is a carbon-rich...
SEC Launches Tending the Land for Fire Resilience in Sonoma County
Sonoma Ecology Center, Pepperwood, and Occidental Arts and Ecology Center recently launched a new, free in-depth online resource for Sonoma County land stewards. While Sonoma County is full of experts in land management, this expertise has been scattered and...
An Unforgettable Summer of Learning
It’s that time of year again: the end of Summer Science Camps for kids. For many, these camps are more than just a seasonal pastime—they’re a whirlwind of discovery, creativity, and exploration that spark a lifelong passion for science and learning. At our Summer...
Meet Marielle: Our Volunteer Photographer
This year, we warmly welcomed a local photographer, Marielle V Chua, to the Sonoma Ecology Center family. Marielle’s photographs intimately capture the natural beauty of Sonoma Valley that inspires our work. She has generously donated her time and talent,...
Improving Soil Health Using Biochar Throughout the East Bay
Since 2022, Sonoma Ecology Center has worked with Earth Foundries as a consultant on numerous initiatives aimed at studying ways biochar can be used to improve soil health projects and provide other ecological benefits beyond Sonoma Valley.
Nathanson Creek Preserve Gets a Refresh
This Spring, Sonoma Ecology Center’s Restoration Team did a refresh of the Demonstration Garden at Nathanson Creek. Enjoy pictures of the drastic improvements!
Using Biochar to Improve Water Quality in the Bay Area
In partnership with Earth Foundries, we recently consulted on a project to sequester carbon, reduce flooding, and improve water quality in East San Jose.