Observe native California plants at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Learn how they can be used in your garden for beauty and interest. Join Nurseryman and Park Docent Bruce Hope in a riparian and chaparral  exploration at Sugarloaf. Our route will be cover at least a mile with a few hills. The numerous stops will give us a chance to discuss plant ecosystems, uses in the garden, propagation and plant care adapting wild plants to your garden.
Tickets are $10 for adults and free for minors. We’ll meet at the Goodspeed parking lot. Bring lots of water, sun protection, and wear good shoes for rocky and uneven trails. We will observe County Health orders including mask-wearing and physical distancing. Parking fees apply.

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.

This part star party/part Night Sky Trails is a hybrid version of these two events. While our dome and west wing telescopes will remain closed, we will allow small groups in our east wing to view images from our RC20, research-grade telescope. Sky tour docents will be stationed outside to give guests laser guided tours of the constellations. This is primarily an outdoor event. Only part of the observatory will be open.

Ticket cost is $10.00 per adult, $5 for students and seniors 60+, and children under 12 are FREE.  (Note: while children tickets are free, they are still required.)(Plus State Park parking fee of $10.00 per vehicle.) You MUST have a ticket to attend this event.  Attendance is limited and, while remaining tickets will be sold at the door, they will be subject to availability.

COVID-19 Update: Based on direction from Sonoma County, RFO is requiring guests to wear face masks at all events, regardless of their vaccination status.  And, of course, if you are not feeling well or have a fever, please stay home.

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.

For current conditions call the observatory at (707)833-6979.
RFO is operated by the Valley of the Moon Observatory Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, and all of the proceeds will go towards maintaining this beloved Sonoma county institution. For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website. If there are additional questions, please email info@rfo.org.

Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work. Work includes bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying and hiking. Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Poison oak is present, so long sleeves are suggested. 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 State Parks volunteer, signup in Volgistics.

Otherwise, sign up here.

Come to the park for a peaceful hike through the woods! Join our Docents on this fun family hike that is good for all ages. During this 2-mile hike with 400-ft elevation gain, you will learn about Sugarloaf Park, its plants, animals, and history.
Free event. As of June 15, RSVP is no longer required. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Parking fees apply.

Choose your own adventure! Part of our Hiking for Fitness program, these free, moderate-to-strenuous group hikes are geared to keep you motivated through the cold season. Parking fees apply. Maintenance Hikes are (usually) every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Historia Natural de Sugarloaf
Sábado 20 de noviembre, 10am-12pm

Aprenda acerca de la historia natural de Sugarloaf en una caminata familiar liderada por Breck Parkman, Arqueólogo Superior retirado del Distrito del Área de la Bahía. Nos reuniremos en el estacionamiento del granero blanco y caminaremos el sendero Meadow mientras escuchamos a Parkman hablar de la historia cultural, ecología, geología, y folklore de Sugarloaf. Este evento es bilingüe y gratuito pero le pedimos que por favor se registre ya que el espacio es limitado. Por favor vista calzado cómodo, ropa adecuada, y traiga agua para la caminata. Las lluvias fuertes cancelan el evento. Seguiremos las medidas apropiadas en acuerdo con órdenes del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado. Si tiene preguntas, necesita transportación (dentro del Valle de Sonoma), o busca más información, por favor comuníquese con Alma (alma@sonomaecologycenter.org).

English: Natural History of Sugarloaf
Saturday, 11/20, 10-12pm
Learn more about the natural history of Sugarloaf in this family-friendly walk led by Breck Parkman, retired Bay Area District Senior Archaeologist. We will meet at the White Barn parking lot and walk on the Meadow Trail as we listen to Parkman speak of Sugarloaf’s cultural history, ecology, geology, and folklore.
This is a bilingual, free event planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking audience. Families from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome.
Registration is required as space is limited. Parking fees apply; heavy rain cancels. We will follow the appropriate guidance from the County’s Public Health Department. For questions, contact alma@sonomaecologycenter.org