Join us for a week (or two!) of Creek camp exploration at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Traverse the headwaters of Sonoma Creek Watershed in this recreational and environmental education camp. Campers will spend the week as explorers, starting off the day with morning hikes on the park’s trails. As the day warms, we’ll stay close to water, exploring the creeks for insects and amphibians. Activities include investigating the properties of water, collecting and studying aquatic insects, learning about the wildlife and plants found in the park. Our camp days will also consist of plenty of games, hiking, and storytelling.

Creek Camp is run by Sonoma Ecology Center naturalist Jonny Ehlers. Jonny is a fourth-generation educator who began working with youth right out of high school in an after-school program in Sacramento. He later became an educator in West Sonoma County at a residential camp working with diverse populations and founded The Mycelium Project, an organization dedicated to helping kids and adults through hikes, and nature-based activities. 

*We look forward to joining together in person and engaging with youth once again, off-screen and in-nature. However, given the uncertainties of our public health guidelines, our camps will be continually evolving. We will abide but whatever our scientists and medical experts deem as safe for in-person meetings when the camps start this summer. At this time we are limiting the sign-ups for this camp to no more than 12 participants.

6/21 Creek Camp 8-12, 9-3pm

7/6  Creek Camp 8-12, 9-3pm 

7/19 Creek Camp 8-12, 9-3pm

7/26 Creek Camp 8-12, 9-3pm

Join us for a 1.4-mile nature hike along the Sonoma Creek. On the hike your leader will teach you about the plants, animals, and aquatic life of Sonoma Creek. The hike starts outside the Visitor Center. Free. As of June 15, RSVP is not needed. Parking charges apply.

Join us for a 1.4-mile nature hike along the Sonoma Creek. On the hike your leader will teach you about the plants, animals, and aquatic life of Sonoma Creek. The hike starts outside the Visitor Center. Free. As of June 15, RSVP is not needed. Parking charges 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.

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.

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.

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.

Join us for a 1.4-mile nature hike along the Sonoma Creek. On the hike your leader will teach you about the plants, animals, and aquatic life of Sonoma Creek. The hike starts outside the Visitor Center. Free. As of June 15, RSVP is not needed. Parking charges apply.

Sábado 14 de agosto, 10:00am-12:00pm
¡Está invitado a nuestra aventura de Animales! Caminaremos el sendero Creekside Nature en busca de señales y huellas que los animales hacen. Aprendemos sobre la dieta y el comportamiento de algunos animales que viven en el parque, al igual que la importancia de la biodiversidad en una ecosistema sano. Los niños tendrán la oportunidad de hacer su propia guía de señales de animales. Esté preparado para caminar aproximadamente una milla. Nos reuniremos afuera del centro de visitantes.
El evento y estacionamiento son gratuitos pero requiere registración. Familias de grupos subrepresentados son especialmente invitados.
Por favor vista calzado adecuado, capas, y traiga suficiente agua. Esté preparado para seguir órdenes de salud del Condado como el uso de cubrebocas y el distanciamiento personal. Si tiene alguna pregunta contacte a alma@sonomaecologycenter.org
Este evento es respaldado por Route to Parks, una beca de Parks California.

English: Animals in Sugarloaf
Saturday 8/14, 10:00am-12:00pm
Join us on an adventure in search of Animals. We will walk around the Nature Creekside Trail and investigate the signs and tracks that animals make. Let’s learn about animal diet, behavior, and the importance of biodiversity in a healthy ecosystem. Children will have the opportunity to make their own animal tracking guide. Be prepared to walk approximately 1 mile. This is a free event planned around a primarily Spanish speaking audience. Families from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. Bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen or a hat. Please be prepared to wear a mask and follow local health guidelines.
Email alma@sonomaecologycenter.org with your questions.
Senderos Naturales is supported by Route to Parks, a grant of Parks California.