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 long route up Vista Trail, where hikers can enjoy the beautiful vistas.
The following is a list of possible routes specifically selected for this hiking series:
1) Sat 1/7 — White Barn to Uranus, 2.2 miles, 80 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
2) Sat 1/14 – Lower Bald & Creekside loop, 1 mile, 115 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
3) Sat 1/21 — Hillside-Meadow loop starting and ending at campground, 3 miles, 250 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
4) Sat 1/28 – Jack London State Historic Park, May’s Clearing loop, 3.7 miles, 430 ft elev [meet @ 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, upper parking lot]
5) Sat 2/4 – Stern, Pony Gate and Canyon, 3 miles, 500 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
6) Sat 2/11 – Brushy Peaks to Neptune picnic table, 4.3 miles, 640 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
7) Sat 2/18 – Sonoma Valley Regional Park loop, 4.6, miles, 531 ft elev [meet at Valley of the Moon Trailhead on Arnold Dr.]
8) Sat 2/25 – Hillside + Vista Trail loop (counter-clockwise), 4.7 miles, 1000 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 a December 2022 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.
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 long route up Vista Trail, where hikers can enjoy the beautiful vistas.
The following is a list of possible routes specifically selected for this hiking series:
1) Sat 1/7 — White Barn to Uranus, 2.2 miles, 80 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
2) Sat 1/14 – Lower Bald & Creekside loop, 1 mile, 115 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
3) Sat 1/21 — Hillside-Meadow loop starting and ending at campground, 3 miles, 250 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
4) Sat 1/28 – Jack London State Historic Park, May’s Clearing loop, 3.7 miles, 430 ft elev [meet @ 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, upper parking lot]
5) Sat 2/4 – Stern, Pony Gate and Canyon, 3 miles, 500 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
6) Sat 2/11 – Brushy Peaks to Neptune picnic table, 4.3 miles, 640 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
7) Sat 2/18 – Sonoma Valley Regional Park loop, 4.6, miles, 531 ft elev [meet at Valley of the Moon Trailhead on Arnold Dr.]
8) Sat 2/25 – Hillside + Vista Trail loop (counter-clockwise), 4.7 miles, 1000 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 a December 2022 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.
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.
FAQs:
- Map and Directions
- 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.
- Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
- There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
- 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. - Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
- 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.
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 long route up Vista Trail, where hikers can enjoy the beautiful vistas.
The following is a list of possible routes specifically selected for this hiking series:
1) Sat 1/7 — White Barn to Uranus, 2.2 miles, 80 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
2) Sat 1/14 – Lower Bald & Creekside loop, 1 mile, 115 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
3) Sat 1/21 — Hillside-Meadow loop starting and ending at campground, 3 miles, 250 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
4) Sat 1/28 – Jack London State Historic Park, May’s Clearing loop, 3.7 miles, 430 ft elev [meet @ 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, upper parking lot]
5) Sat 2/4 – Stern, Pony Gate and Canyon, 3 miles, 500 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
6) Sat 2/11 – Brushy Peaks to Neptune picnic table, 4.3 miles, 640 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
7) Sat 2/18 – Sonoma Valley Regional Park loop, 4.6, miles, 531 ft elev [meet at Valley of the Moon Trailhead on Arnold Dr.]
8) Sat 2/25 – Hillside + Vista Trail loop (counter-clockwise), 4.7 miles, 1000 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 a December 2022 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.
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 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). Meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with a December 2022 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx 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).
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 long route up Vista Trail, where hikers can enjoy the beautiful vistas.
The following is a list of possible routes specifically selected for this hiking series:
1) Sat 1/7 — White Barn to Uranus, 2.2 miles, 80 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
2) Sat 1/14 – Lower Bald & Creekside loop, 1 mile, 115 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
3) Sat 1/21 — Hillside-Meadow loop starting and ending at campground, 3 miles, 250 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
4) Sat 1/28 – Jack London State Historic Park, May’s Clearing loop, 3.7 miles, 430 ft elev [meet @ 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, upper parking lot]
5) Sat 2/4 – Stern, Pony Gate and Canyon, 3 miles, 500 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
6) Sat 2/11 – Brushy Peaks to Neptune picnic table, 4.3 miles, 640 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
7) Sat 2/18 – Sonoma Valley Regional Park loop, 4.6, miles, 531 ft elev [meet at Valley of the Moon Trailhead on Arnold Dr.]
8) Sat 2/25 – Hillside + Vista Trail loop (counter-clockwise), 4.7 miles, 1000 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 a December 2022 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.
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 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). Meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with a December 2022 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx 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).
NOTICIA: Nuestro taller de cultivación de hongos ha sido pospuesto al 25 de marzo. La hora tambié ha cambiado de 10:00 am- 12:00 pm a las 1:30pm- 3:30pm. | UPDATE: This event has been postponed to March 25, 2023. Additionally, the time of the event has changed from 10:00 am- 12:00 pm to 1:30pm- 3:30pm.
[Español abajo]
Come to Sonoma Garden Park on March 25, 1:30-3:30 pm for a bilingual mushroom cultivation workshop! We will learn about easy and inexpensive mushroom cultivation methods and when to harvest. This is a free, bilingual event planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking audience. Registration is required as space is limited. Bring water and dress warmly, as the event will be held outside the barn. Heavy rain cancels the event.
For questions or more information, please contact alma@sonomaecologycenter.org.
There is no charge for this outing, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax.
Sonoma Garden Park was protected by Ag + Open Space in November of 2011 for recreation and preservation of its natural resources, and learning classroom environment for agriculture field trips for nearby elementary schools through Sonoma Ecology Center’s “Growing Discovery” program. The 6-acre property, hidden in eastern Sonoma, is an incredible public park and working garden site in Sonoma Valley, containing a wide array of habitats alongside sustainably designed systems for both agriculture use and landscaping purposes.
¡Venga a un taller de cultivación de hongos el 25 de marzo de las 1:30 pm a las 3:30 pm en Sonoma Garden Park! Aprenda métodos de cultivación fáciles y de bajo costo, como cuidar de su micelio, y cuando cosechar sus hongos. Este evento es bilingüe y gratuito pero le pedimos que por favor se registre ya que el espacio es limitado. El evento será afuera del granero, así que vista ropa adecuada incluyendo chamarras y zapatos impermeables, y traiga agua. Las lluvias fuertes cancelan el evento. Seguiremos las medidas apropiadas en acuerdo con órdenes del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado. Si tiene preguntas, o busca más información, por favor comuníquese con Alma (alma@sonomaecologycenter.org).
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 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). Meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with a December 2022 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx 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).
Wilderness 1st Aid Course at Sugarloaf
Robert Ferguson Observatory Classroom
April 22 & 23, 2023 8:30am-5pm
Lead by Safety Training Pros, classes are fun with lots of hands-on skills practice. The emphasis is on making good decisions by staying calm and safe, doing a throughout patient assessment, and having effective communication and leadership. Join our classes, where it is safe to learn and OK to make mistakes. Wilderness 1st Aid is 16 hours (two 8-hour days) focused on practicing skills and covering: patient assessment, shock and bleeding, head and spinal injuries, wounds, musculoskeletal injuries, heat and cold illnesses, and includes a half day of outdoor scenario practice of first aid and leadership skills. Gain some good tools and knowledge to handle a wilderness first aid emergency.
The course is $225 for the general public, $175 for Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for Sonoma Ecology Center staff. Two scholarships are available for those in need. Successful completion of the course includes a Wilderness 1st Aid certificate. Registration is required and closes two weeks prior to the event date.
Site 12 in the campground will be available for those who wish to camp on site over Saturday night at no additional cost. Parking fees apply.