55 Years For Earth Day, 35 Years for Sonoma Ecology Center

55 Years For Earth Day, 35 Years for Sonoma Ecology Center

Photo by Marielle V Chua This article, written by Sonoma Ecology Center board member David Morell, was originally published in the Sonoma Sun on April 19, 2025. Never since its founding by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and university activist Dennis Hayes on April...

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Stewarding Sonoma County Through Art and Storytelling

Stewarding Sonoma County Through Art and Storytelling

On a sunny week in March at the Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma, Julia Megna watches her students put their paintbrushes to canvas, beginning a “mural-in-parts” to express their feelings and convey a message about climate change and the environment.  Julia is an...

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Looking Ahead: Headwaters to Headwaters 2025

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...

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Sugarloaf Ridge State Park – Wildflower Update, February 17, 2025

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!

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Introducing Emma Melendy, Educator

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...

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Sonoma Floods Again—an Eventful Week for our Watershed

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...

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Remembering the Red Barn: A Legacy of Homesteading, History, and Renewal at Sugarloaf Ridge

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.

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Fungus Among Us February 6-9, 2025

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...

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Transforming Playgrounds Through The Green Schoolyards Project

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....

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Digging Our Hands Into the Community Through Volunteer Work

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...

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