Mar
23
Sat
Wondrous Wildflower Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Mar 23 @ 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Wondrous Wildflower Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

UPDATE 2/28, 4:30 pm: The 3/2, 3/23, & 4/6 hikes are sold out.

Join Certified California Naturalist John Lynch on his  wondrous wildflower walks.

On 3/2, we’ll follow Pony Gate Trail’s grassy slope, into the Oak woodland and through a mixed evergreen forest, along Canyon Trail’s shady riparian corridor lined with redwoods, to the 25-foot dramatic plunge of Sonoma Creek and back to the our starting point at the Visitor Center.

Departing from the Visitor Center, the 3/23 route takes us on the Creekside and Hillside trails returning via Meadow.

On 4/6, from the White Barn, we’ll scout Hillside to Brushy Peaks turning around at the Neptune picnic table and back on Meadow Trail.

We’ll celebrate Earth Day on 4/21 on Vista Trail via Lower Bald Mtn (from the White Barn) and returning on Meadow Trail.

Wear hiking shoes, layers appropriate for weather, bring at least a quart of water, a camera, and wildflower guides if you have one. Tickets are $10-$15 sliding scale for general audiences, $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds; must be accompanied by an adult), Sugarloaf members and volunteers, and free for children under 12. Parking fees apply. Heavy rain or wind cancels and will be announced by 9:00am the day of the hike.

Ease of access: The Pony Gate-Canyon loop is approximately 2 miles with an elevation of 595 ft. Both trails are single-track dirt trails with steps that descend into a canyon. There is a seasonal water crossing (creek bed) on Pony Gate without a bridge.

The Creekside-Hillside-Meadow loop is ADA-compliant for approximately 0.35mi. From there, Hillside is a single-track dirt trail for 0.1mi that widens into a 2-mile fire road loop with two 100-foot hills and a small stream crossing with a wooden plank for a bridge. Meadow is passable by strollers or wheelchair up to the bridge, about a mile in, but is not officially an ADA-compliant trail.

Hillside Trail is a single-track dirt trail for 0.1mi that widens into a 2-mile fire road loop with two 100-foot hills and a small stream crossing with a wooden plank for a bridge. Brushy Peaks Trail is a rugged single-track dirt trail with 650 feet of elevation and a short section of steps.

Lower Bald Mtn Trail is a single-track gravel and dirt trail with at times, rough terrain and steps. It connects to Bald Mtn Trail, a steep, paved fire road. Vista Trail is a single-track dirt trail with at least three stretches of steep steps and at least two small seasonal water crossings without a bridge. Gray Pine, the connecting trail between Vista and Meadow Trails, has a year-round stream crossing with a board for a bridge.


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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Mar
24
Sun
Park Rx– Forest Bathing Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Mar 24 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Park Rx-- Forest Bathing Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

The practice of Forest Therapy has been shown to improve health and well-being.

Have you heard about “Shinrin-yoku” or “forest bathing”? Here is an opportunity to take a walk and experience the practice for yourself. Learn techniques to maximize the health benefits and stress reducing qualities of this walking practice. Shinrin-yoku originated in Japan and is gaining popularity in the United States for its documented health benefits.

This practice takes a walk in the woods to another level. A centering and calming restorative practice, it promotes balance and restored vitality through a quality of presence and heightened sensory awareness. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosts a Forest Therapy Series as part of its Park Rx Program the 4th Sunday of the month led by certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) practitioners.

We invite you to join us on this therapeutic experience of sights, sounds, scents, touch, and memory. The outing begins at the White Barn and meanders less than one mile from the start point in a reverie of introspection and connection to the natural world.

Tickets are $20 or free with an January 2024 or newer Park Rx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx information. To sign up with a Park Rx, please email alma@sonomaecologycenter.org. Please have your Park Rx available at the time of sign-up, as the number of Park Rx tickets is limited and you will be asked to turn in a copy at the time of registration.

Wear layers, comfortable footwear, bring water, sun protection, and if desired, a snack or a picnic to enjoy after the event. Parking fees apply. Heavy rains cancel.

Ease of access: Creekside Nature Trail has two trailheads. The trailhead from the White Barn is ADA compliant for about 0.1 miles. Our route for this hike veers off to the left across a narrow bridge and single-track dirt trail that connects with Hillside and then backtracks. The entire route is approximately 3/4 of a mile with approximately 100ft of elevation gain. 

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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Full Moon Hike @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Mar 24 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Full Moon Hike @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

UPDATE: 2/2 1:00PM. Our March Full Moon Hike is sold out, but sales for the April hike begin on March 25 at 1:00am.

Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder as you explore the park after dark. This hike begins at the White Barn and heads up to the viewpoint on Vista Trail or to the top of Bald Mountain, where we will see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley.

The Bald Mountain route is a strenuous 6.5 miles with 1500+ of vertical and some steep sections (not recommended for children under 12). It leaves the White Barn parking lot at 5:00pm.

The Vista Trail route is a moderate-to-strenuous, 4-mile hike with 700ft of elevation and begins at 6:00pm. Not recommended for children under 7.

Tickets are $10 general, and $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds), Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children 7-12 years old. All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. You must have a ticket to attend. Be at the meeting location at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the hike for a prompt departure. Bring your flashlight, at least a quart of water, snacks, and extra layers for the evening. Parking fees apply.

Ease of access:
For Vista route: The White Barn parking lot has one van-designated parking spot and an accessible porta-potty. There is a 1/4-mile paved road from the Observatory to the Meadow trailhead. Meadow Trail is an unpaved fire road that is mostly flat although not ADA-compliant.  In the dry season, it is passable by stroller or wheelchair with off-road capability tires up to the bridge, about a mile in. Grey Pine Trail is a fire road with a year-round creek crossing passable by board. Vista Trail is a single-track dirt trail with at least 700ft of elevation. It has at least two small seasonal water crossings, at least two sections with steps, and multiple steep, slippery sections. Bald Mtn Trail is a paved fire road that connects Vista Trail to Lower Bald Mtn Trail. Lower Bald Mtn Trail is a single-track dirt and gravel trail with multiple narrow switchbacks and inclines with an elevation gain of approximately 500ft. It has two trailheads; one at the main parking lot, and one that leads back to the Observatory.
For Bald Mtn route: The White Barn parking lot has one van-designated parking spot and an accessible porta-potty. There is a 1/4-mile paved road from the Observatory to the Lower Bald Mtn trailhead. Lowr Bald Mtn Trail is a single-track dirt and gravel trail with multiple narrow switchbacks and inclines for an elevation gain of approximately 500ft. It merges with Bald Mtn Trail, a paved fire road with elevation of 1,000+ ft of elevation gain. The route backtracks on these same trails.

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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Mar
28
Thu
Sugarloaf Volunteer Trail Crew @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Mar 28 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sugarloaf Volunteer Trail Crew @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

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.

Mar
30
Sat
Introduction to Backpacking Course @ Robert Ferguson Observatory
Mar 30 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Introduction to Backpacking Course @ Robert Ferguson Observatory | Kenwood | California | United States

Join Sugarloaf docents Inga Aksamit and Andy Westbom for a three-hour course covering basics and examining gear.  There will be examples of all the gear needed. No actual hiking is involved in this instructional session. The goal is to introduce participants to modern, lightweight backpacking strategies. We’ll touch on topics such as: equipment, trip planning, navigation, food, water treatment, common problems in the backcountry and how to avoid them. You don’t need a heavy pack to enjoy a wilderness experience.

If you’ve never backpacked, or it’s been decades, this is for you! There will be tips for all—from backpacking with children to considerations for seniors. Both Inga and Andy are experienced guides in the Sierra and beyond.

Tickets are $15-$20 sliding scale for general audiences, $7.5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds), Sugarloaf members and Sugarloaf volunteers. Meet at the Observatory classroom. Bring a pen and notebook, water, and your questions. Parking fees apply.

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). 

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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Apr
5
Fri
Blooms & Birds @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Blooms & Birds @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

CA Naturalist Carolyn Greene leads this wildflower hike along Lower Bald Mountain Trail through mixed evergreen forest and chaparral. Enjoy the warming spring sun, the variety of colors, shapes, scents, and arrangements peeking through the vegetation, as well as the added bonus of whatever birds cross our path.

Tickets are $10-$15 sliding scale for adults, $5 for students, youth, Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children under 12. Meet at the White Barn. Wear hiking shoes, layers appropriate for weather, bring at least a quart of water, sun protection, a camera, and a wildflower or bird guide if you have it. Parking fees apply. Heavy rain cancels.

Ease of access: The main parking lot has one van-accessible parking space and an accessible vault toilet. There is no running water in this area. The Lower Bald Mountain trailhead beginning from the main parking lot is a single-track dirt and gravel trail of approximately one mile in length and 500 ft of elevation gain. It has narrow sections with steps and switchbacks, as well as some wider sections in full sun exposure. Stern Trail is a roughly-paved fireroad with a few steep areas of loose gravel. It is about a mile in length, with the second half of the mile being flatter and sunny.

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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar of events.

Apr
6
Sat
Wondrous Wildflower Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 6 @ 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Wondrous Wildflower Walk @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

UPDATE 2/28, 4:30 pm: The 3/2, 3/23, & 4/6 hikes are sold out.

Join Certified California Naturalist John Lynch on his  wondrous wildflower walks.

On 3/2, we’ll follow Pony Gate Trail’s grassy slope, into the Oak woodland and through a mixed evergreen forest, along Canyon Trail’s shady riparian corridor lined with redwoods, to the 25-foot dramatic plunge of Sonoma Creek and back to the our starting point at the Visitor Center.

Departing from the Visitor Center, the 3/23 route takes us on the Creekside and Hillside trails returning via Meadow.

On 4/6, from the White Barn, we’ll scout Hillside to Brushy Peaks turning around at the Neptune picnic table and back on Meadow Trail.

We’ll celebrate Earth Day on 4/21 on Vista Trail via Lower Bald Mtn (from the White Barn) and returning on Meadow Trail.

Wear hiking shoes, layers appropriate for weather, bring at least a quart of water, a camera, and wildflower guides if you have one. Tickets are $10-$15 sliding scale for general audiences, $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds; must be accompanied by an adult), Sugarloaf members and volunteers, and free for children under 12. Parking fees apply. Heavy rain or wind cancels and will be announced by 9:00am the day of the hike.

Ease of access: The Pony Gate-Canyon loop is approximately 2 miles with an elevation of 595 ft. Both trails are single-track dirt trails with steps that descend into a canyon. There is a seasonal water crossing (creek bed) on Pony Gate without a bridge.

The Creekside-Hillside-Meadow loop is ADA-compliant for approximately 0.35mi. From there, Hillside is a single-track dirt trail for 0.1mi that widens into a 2-mile fire road loop with two 100-foot hills and a small stream crossing with a wooden plank for a bridge. Meadow is passable by strollers or wheelchair up to the bridge, about a mile in, but is not officially an ADA-compliant trail.

Hillside Trail is a single-track dirt trail for 0.1mi that widens into a 2-mile fire road loop with two 100-foot hills and a small stream crossing with a wooden plank for a bridge. Brushy Peaks Trail is a rugged single-track dirt trail with 650 feet of elevation and a short section of steps.

Lower Bald Mtn Trail is a single-track gravel and dirt trail with at times, rough terrain and steps. It connects to Bald Mtn Trail, a steep, paved fire road. Vista Trail is a single-track dirt trail with at least three stretches of steep steps and at least two small seasonal water crossings without a bridge. Gray Pine, the connecting trail between Vista and Meadow Trails, has a year-round stream crossing with a board for a bridge.


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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

RFO Public Star Party @ Robert Ferguson Observatory
Apr 6 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.

Star Parties: Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Starting at dusk, the Observatory’s three main telescopes are open for your viewing. Docents set up additional telescopes in front of the building. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.

You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend. Tickets are available at rfo.simpletix.com

FAQs:

  1. Map and Directions
  2. When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
  3. Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
  4. There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
  5. White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
    ◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
    ◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
    ◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
    ◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory.
  6. Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
  7. The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.

Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at (707) 833-6979.
For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website.


TICKETS

Apr
7
Sun
Sugarloaf New Volunteer Orientation & Social | Orientación y convivio para voluntarios nuevos @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 7 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sugarloaf New Volunteer Orientation & Social | Orientación y convivio para voluntarios nuevos @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

[En español abajo]

Enjoy the beauty of this special place in Sonoma Valley while joining our wonderful community of volunteers. Volunteer with Team Sugarloaf and become an integral piece in keeping Sugarloaf Ridge State Park operating. Join us for an orientation on April 7, 2024, from 1:00-5:00pm to learn about the history of Sugarloaf, how Sonoma Ecology Center operates the park, and what volunteer opportunities we have. The orientation will take place in the Robert Ferguson Observatory classroom followed by a volunteer social potluck at the group camp from 3:30-5:00 pm where you can meet some of our active volunteers.

Volunteers play a vital role at Sugarloaf. We have a host of volunteer opportunities to restore and maintain this natural treasure and to help to keep Sugarloaf open to the public. Initial training is provided, with periodic docent enrichment events. We need volunteers to:

– Become docents at the Visitor Center
– Direct visitors at the entrance kiosk
– Assist with data entry
– Aid project research and grant-writing
– Work on trail and park maintenance projects
– Facilitate special events and parking
– Spanish/English literacy and conversational fluency is a plus

View more volunteer opportunities and specifics in our website. Experience is not necessary but welcomed, as well as a willingness to learn and the desire to share that knowledge with our visitors. We ask for a minimum of 4 hours per month of volunteer service. Please create a Better Impact account to start the process. Bring a notepad and pen, a reusable drink container for warm beverages, dress in layers, and if you’re inclined, something to share for the potluck.

Attending a Volunteer Orientation is required to become a volunteer at Sugarloaf. English is needed for all positions. Spanish-English literacy or fluency is a plus for all positions. Please share this opportunity!

Ease of access: the Robert Ferguson Observatory has an ADA-compliant wooden deck/ramp to access the classroom. There is one van-designated parking spot and although not ADA or van designated, there is lots more parking adjacent to the Observatory/group camp. The group camp is a large area to the left of the Robert Ferguson Observatory. The ground is a mix of soil and woodchips navigable on a power chair. There is an accessible porta-potty and a water spigot on site. The picnic tables and benches are not ADA-compliant but are available.

CREATE YOUR BETTER IMPACT ACCOUNT

For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.


ESPAÑOL: Disfruta de la belleza de este lugar especial en el Valle de Sonoma mientras te unes a una maravillosa comunidad de voluntarios. Ven a ser voluntario con Team Sugarloaf y forma una parte integral en la operación del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge. Acompáñanos en una orientación para voluntarios nuevos el domingo 7 de abril, de la 1:0 a las 5:00pm para aprender acerca de la historia de Sugarloaf, cómo Sonoma Ecology Center opera el parque, y oportunidades de voluntariado. La orientación será dentro aula del Observatorio Robert Ferguson seguida por un convivio estilo potluck en el área de acampar en grupo de las 3:30 a las 5:00 pm, en donde podrás conocer a algunos de nuestros voluntarios vigentes.

Voluntarios desempeñan un rol vital en Sugarloaf. Tenemos muchas oportunidades para restaurar y mantener este tesoro natural y para ayudar a mantener Sugarloaf abierto al público. Proveemos capacitación inicial, con oportunidades periódicas de aprendizaje. Necesitamos voluntarios para:
-docentes en el centro de visitantes
-dirigir visitantes en el quiosco
-ayuda con entrada de datos
–ayuda con proyectos investigativos y propuestas para conseguir fondos
-trabajar en proyectos de mantenimiento en los senderos y alrededor del parque
-facilitar eventos especiales/estacionamiento
-continuar creciendo nuestros programas bilingües, especialmente en español e inglés

Encuentra más oportunidades voluntarias y especificaciones en nuestro sitio web. Experiencia no es necesaria pero bienvenida, al igual que la disposición de aprender y el deseo de impartir estos conocimientos con visitantes. Pedimos que voluntarios por favor estén disponibles un mínimo de 4 horas por mes. Por favor empieza el proceso creando un perfil en Better Impact. Ven abrigado, trae una libreta, un lapicero, tu contenedor de bebidas reusable, y si deseas, algo para compartir durante el convivio.

Se requiere atender la orientación de voluntarios para ser un voluntario en Sugarloaf. Todas las posiciones necesitan dominio del inglés; se valorará experiencia de candidatos bilingües en español e inglés. ¡Por favor comparte esta oportunidad!

Facilidad de acceso: Acceso al aula del Observatorio Robert Ferguson es mediante una rampa de madera que oficialmente cumple con los requerimientos de la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA). Hay un espacio designado para estacionar un vehículo como una miniván o más grande, y aunque el resto del área de estacionamiento no es designada como estacionamiento accesible, puede ser utilizada como accesible. El área de asentamiento dentro del aula principal del observatorio está compuesto de sillas que fácilmente pueden moverse para acomodar ingreso accesible. Hay baños disponibles dentro del edificio, incluyendo un cubículo accesible en cada baño. El área de acampar en grupo es un área grande fuera del observatorio. El suelo es una combinación de tierra y astillas de madera, que pueden ser navegado en una silla de ruedas con motor. Hay un baño portátil accesible y una llave de agua en el sitio. Las mesas de picnic no son accesibles pero están disponibles.

 

ABRE UNA CUENTA EN BETTER IMPACT

Para ver más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario

Apr
11
Thu
Sugarloaf Volunteer Trail Crew @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 11 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sugarloaf Volunteer Trail Crew @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park | Kenwood | California | United States

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.