Community scientists John Hibbard and Alex Weishaar lead this easy-to-moderate 2-mile butterfly walk as part of 2024’s City Nature Challenge. We will encourage butterfly and bug photography; cameras, binoculars, hand lenses, and field guides are recommended. Stop by the greenhouse (across from the White Barn) between 11:00 am-12:00 pm prior to the walk for everything butterfly-related.
Meet at the White Barn for the walk. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under 18. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water, a fully-charged battery on your mobile device, butterfly identification guides (if you have them), and if desired, a snack. Parking fees apply; rains cancel.
The 2024 City Nature Challenge runs from April 26 to 29. It’s a bioblitz-style friendly competition where cities are in a contest against each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. Learn more about City Nature Challenge or view the Sugarloaf Project here!
Participants of any level of experience can help find, photograph, record, and/or identify life in the park. Smartphones with the iNaturalist app will be our main tool, but those lacking phones are also welcome to participate. If you haven’t used iNaturalist, or haven’t made an observation for a while, this is your chance – just make sure to load the iNaturalist app on your phone before you arrive. This event is part of the Challenge along with other events scheduled from April 26-29. View the rest of our City Nature Challenge activities here!
Ease of access: The White Barn parking lot has one van-accessible parking spot and an accessible porta-potty. We’re unable to determine ease of access for the hike as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (temperatures, seasonality of butterflies, etc).
______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar of events.
Community scientists John Hibbard and Alex Weishaar lead this easy-to-moderate 2-mile butterfly walk as part of 2024’s City Nature Challenge. We will encourage butterfly and bug photography; cameras, binoculars, hand lenses, and field guides are recommended. Stop by the greenhouse (across from the White Barn) between 11:00 am-12:00 pm prior to the walk for everything butterfly-related.
Meet at the White Barn for the walk. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under 18. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water, a fully-charged battery on your mobile device, butterfly identification guides (if you have them), and if desired, a snack. Parking fees apply; rains cancel.
The 2024 City Nature Challenge runs from April 26 to 29. It’s a bioblitz-style friendly competition where cities are in a contest against each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. Learn more about City Nature Challenge or view the Sugarloaf Project here!
Participants of any level of experience can help find, photograph, record, and/or identify life in the park. Smartphones with the iNaturalist app will be our main tool, but those lacking phones are also welcome to participate. If you haven’t used iNaturalist, or haven’t made an observation for a while, this is your chance – just make sure to load the iNaturalist app on your phone before you arrive. This event is part of the Challenge along with other events scheduled from April 26-29. View the rest of our City Nature Challenge activities here!
Ease of access: The White Barn parking lot has one van-accessible parking spot and an accessible porta-potty. We’re unable to determine ease of access for the hike as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (temperatures, seasonality of butterflies, etc).
______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar of events.
Sábado 4 de mayo, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma & Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge
Ven a una caminata donde exploraremos algunas de las plantas originarias en Sugarloaf, su historia natural, herbología y folklore. Nos reuniremos en el estacionamiento principal y caminaremos los senderos Lower Bald Mountain y Stern. ¡Evento gratuito! Por favor regístrate por adelantado, ya que proveeremos transportación, lo cual limita el cupo a 25, y este evento se llenará pronto. Transportación gratuita de la Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma (755 West Napa Street Sonoma, CA 95476) a Sugarloaf (2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452) y de regreso es proveída con tu registración. El autobús saldrá de la biblioteca prontamente a las 9:30am al Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge y regresará a la biblioteca alrededor de las 12:30 pm.
Viste capas, calzado adecuado para senderos pedregosos/resbaladizos, protección solar, trae al menos un litro de agua, y si deseas, un bocadillo. Te sugerimos traer una lupa, algo en que arrodillarse, y una guía de identificación de plantas, si la tienes.
Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama a Alma al 707-247-5767.
Información acerca de plantas comestibles es sólamente para propósitos educativos. Procurarse de alimentos (plantas, semillas, hongos, etc.) en los parques estatales de California es ilegal.
Facilidad de acceso: El estacionamiento principal posee un espacio designado como accesible para vagonetas y un inodoro rústico. No hay agua potable en el área. El comienzo del sendero Lower Bald Mountain que empieza en el estacionamiento principal es un sendero de tierra y grave de una sola vía. Mide aproximadamente una milla, y cuenta con 500 pies de elevación. Tiene secciones angostas con escalones y zigzags, como también áreas más anchas en pleno sol. El sendero Stern es una carretera cortafuegos rudamente pavimentada con algunas secciones de grava suelta empinadas. Mide aproximadamente una milla, con la segunda mitad de esa milla siendo plana y soleada.
Este evento es en colaboración con Sonoma Valley Regional Library y es respaldado por Route to Parks, un proyecto de Parks California.
Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario
ENGLISH Senderos: Flora (en español)
Sat, 5/4, 9:30 am -12:30 pm
Sonoma Valley Regional Library & Sugarloaf Ridge SP
Join us on this walk about some of Sugarloaf’s native plants, their natural history, and folklore. This event is planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking Latino audience. Families from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. Email senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org with your questions.
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.
Edible plant information is for educational purposes only. Foraging is illegal in CA State Parks.
This event is in collaboration with Sonoma Valley Regional Library and sponsored by the Route to Parks Grant, a project of Parks California.
Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
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.
______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar of events.
¡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.
Do you enjoy slow walks in a valley, breezes, wildflowers, the sounds of songbirds, the taste of a Douglas Fir needle or a California Bay leaf, the aroma of tarweed, or watching wild turkeys and California Quail hunt for seeds and insects in the grass? Join California Certified Naturalists Marie-Kay Hansen and Judy Armstrong for this series of meandering explorations. Each month (weather-permitting) we will explore one or two of our accessible trails– the Creekside Nature Trail, or the Meadow Trail. Suitable for all levels and a range of mobility, these Sunday afternoon adventures will accommodate young children, parents with babies in strollers, and people using walkers or wheelchairs as well as those who just enjoy slow walks in nature that stimulate the five senses.
Our May program will focus on the serpentine grassland along Meadow Trail, chaparral along Hillside Trail, the riparian area and oak woodlands adjacent to Creekside Trail, and the fir forests on Sugarloaf Ridge above the campground. There will be frequent stops and opportunities for conversation, photography, nature journaling, wildlife viewing, resting, etc., so bring your nature journal, camera, or binoculars, if you have them. We also invite you to bring a small, foldable camping chair, if you think you might need it.
Tickets are $5-$10 sliding scale for adults and free for children under 12. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water and if desired, a snack.
Ease of access: There is one van-designated accessible parking spot at the White Barn, as well as an accessible porta-potty. The Lower Bald Mt Trail trailhead from the Observatory is a rough gravel hiking trail of approximately 671ft in length and 54ft of elevation gain. Meadow Trail is an unpaved fire road that is mostly flat although not technically ADA-compliant. Some wheelchair users with off-road capacity chairs have successfully travelled this trail, which during the dry season is relatively accessible for viewing different habitats including a large meadow. Hillside has three trailheads; the northernmost one that connects the Meadow Trail with the White Barn is relatively flat and compacted gravel. The Creekside Nature Trail is a 0.49-mi (one way) ADA-compliant trail. The path from Creekside to the amphitheater is a 433ft unpaved road with a maximum running slope of 13%. The path from the amphitheater center to the campground is 77ft, concrete paved, with a narrow bridge with tall side rails.
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Sábado 29 de junio, 1:30-4:30 pm
Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma & Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge
¿Qué tipo de macroinvertebrados podemos encontrar en el arroyo de Sonoma? Wendy Hayes nos acompaña en esta exploración bilingüe de insectos acuáticos. Comenzaremos detrás del centro de visitantes y bajaremos al lecho del arroyo después de aprender acerca de los mayores grupos de insectos que pueden ser encontrados en el arroyo.
Este evento gratuito requiere registración, ya que proveeremos transportación gratuita de la Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma (755 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476) a Sugarloaf (2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452) y de regreso con tu registración. El autobús saldrá de la biblioteca prontamente a la 1:30 pm a Sugarloaf y regresará a la biblioteca alrededor de las 4:30 pm. Salida limitada a 25 participantes.
Recomendamos vestirse en ropa que pueda mojarse o ensuciarse, calzado adecuado para exploración acuática, traer una gorra o protección solar, al menos un litro de agua, y si deseas, un bocadillo. Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama a Alma al 707-247-5767.
Facilidad de acceso: El centro de visitantes de Sugarloaf está rodeado por una plataforma acessible de madera. Hay un espacio designado como acessible para estacionarse frente a la rampa que conecta el estacionamiento con la plataforma. Hay un baño portátil accesible a unos metros de esta rampa. No hay acceso de la plataforma al lecho del arroyo; uno tiene que caminar algunos metros en terreno disparejo. Sin embargo, la plataforma tiene una sección que se extiende con más proximidad al arroyo y que dispone de un área para sentarse. Acomodaciones para personas que necesitan más acceso se pueden hacer al escribir a senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org al menos dos días antes del evento.
Este evento es en colaboración con Sonoma Valley Regional Library y es respaldado por Route to Parks, un proyecto de Parks California. Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario.
ENGLISH:
Senderos: The (Wild)Life Aquatic
Sat, 6/29, 1:30-4:30 pm
Sonoma Valley Regional Library & Sugarloaf Ridge SP
What type of macroinvertebrates can we find in Sonoma Creek? Wendy Hayes joins us in this bilingual exploration of creek insects. We’ll start off at the back deck of the Visitor Center and move down to the creekbed after learning about the major groups of insects that can be found in the creek. We’ll start behind the Visitor Center and will walk to the creekbed after learning about the major groups of insects found in the creek.
This free event requires registration, as transportation from Sonoma Valley Regional Library (755 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476) to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452) and back is included with your registration. The bus will leave the library at 1:30 pm towards Sugarloaf and will return to the library around 4:30 pm. Limited to 25 participants.
We recommend dressing in clothing and footwear that can get wet/dirty. Bring a hat or sun protection, water, and if desired, a snack. For more information, write to us at senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org or call Alma at 707-247-5767.
Ease of access: Sugarloaf’s Visit or Center is surrounded by an accessible wooden deck. There is one van-designated parking space in front of the ramp/deck, and an accessible porta-potty a few feet away from the parking spot. There is no access from the deck to the creekbed; one must walk a few feet down on a short dirt path. However, the deck does have a large section that extends closer to the creek with seating area available. Additional accessible accommodations can be made if contacted in advance at senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org.
This event is in collaboration with Sonoma Valley Regional Library and sponsored by the Route to Parks Grant, a project of Parks California.
Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.