Calling all Sonoma Valley volunteers, gardeners and nature lovers!
When the weather heats up so does our events schedule, as Sonoma Ecology Center takes advantage of the beautiful sunny days by offering more volunteer opportunities around the Valley. They include enjoyable, community-building work at Sonoma Garden Park, Nathanson Creek Preserve and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, among other outdoor locations.
To kick things off at Sugarloaf, we are holding a volunteer orientation meeting on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our staff members at Sugarloaf rely on the help of dedicated volunteers throughout the year to keep the park so well maintained! Please sign up here.
And to kick things off at Sonoma Garden Park, there will be a volunteer Garden Day event also on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. Activities will include seeding, planting and prepping the field in this family-friendly, kid-friendly and fun outdoor workday.
Read on for more details on our regular volunteer opportunities:
Sonoma Native Plant Nursery
Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 7th St. East, Sonoma
Fridays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. beginning March 6
Sonoma Ecology Center’s Restoration team is reviving the beautiful Native Plant Nursery in Sonoma Garden Park, and we gladly accept help from plant-loving locals. To volunteer at Sonoma Native Plant Nursery, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Ivana Nedelchev at 707-996-0712, ext. 125 or ivana@sonomacologycenter.org.
Nathanson Creek Preserve Demonstration Garden
Corner of East MacArthur Street and 2nd Street East, Sonoma
Fourth Saturday of every month, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Locals love gathering at the Nathanson Creek Preserve Demonstration Garden to pull a few weeds, admire the flowers, and enjoy the sun. Please join us for this community-building, native-plant-knowledge-building experience! Bring water, work gloves, sun protection and closed-toed shoes—we’ll provide tools and snacks. Kids, and drop-ins for any amount of time, are welcome.
Sonoma Garden Park Volunteer Crew
Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 7th St. East, Sonoma
Volunteer drop-in Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Would you like to spend a few hours a week picking flowers, feeding the chickens, staffing the Harvest Market or performing other duties in the lush and beautiful Sonoma Garden Park? To become a Garden Park volunteer, first fill out this online form, then see the above drop-in hours or contact Volunteer Coordinator Ivana Nedelchev at 707-996-0712, ext. 125 or ivana@sonomacologycenter.org.
Sugarloaf Trails Council Work Days
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood
First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sonoma County Trails Council directs this volunteer trail work day at Sugarloaf focusing on trail maintenance and improvements. Parking passes and tools are provided, along with snacks and beverages. All are welcome! For questions or to RSVP, please email trailscouncil@sonic.net.
Sugarloaf Trail Crew
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood
Second and fourth Thursdays of every month, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Help Sugarloaf staff with trail restoration work including bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing debris and more. Tools, food and beverages are provided. For questions or to join, contact John Roney at john@sonomaecologycenter.org.
Sugarloaf Visitor Center Attendant & More
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood
Sugarloaf offers a host of other volunteer opportunities too, including help at the Visitor Center, Kiosk, and much more. If you’re able to dedicate between 2 and 20 hours per week at Sugarloaf, please let us know! For questions or to join, contact John Roney at john@sonomaecologycenter.org.