Welcome Back to Sugarloaf!

Enjoy some fungi fun with local expert, George Riner. Fungi are masters at opportunity. Even after a fire, the spores are in the air and find an environment where the local fungal species – i.e. competition – have been greatly reduced. These may show themselves in ways you may not imagine.

This hike is limited to 40 guests. Be prepared for 2 miles of walking over moderate terrain. Meet at the Visitor Center. $10 per person, parking fees apply.

Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3627324

On the fourth Saturday of every month, the Nathanson Stewards meet at the corner of East MacArthur and Second Street East, put on their gloves, and have a fun and productive morning tending the native garden located there.

This event is guided by trained restoration technicians from Sonoma Ecology Center, with a focus on native gardening and landscaping. The subject matter will vary with the seasons, and our technicians will demonstrate proper techniques for caring for the different native plants located within the Nathanson garden. Volunteers are asked to bring sunscreen or a hat, bottled water, a sack lunch and work gloves, and to wear closed-toed shoes. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

We’ll meet at the Nathanson Creek Preserve Garden located on the corner of East MacArthur Street and Second Street East in Sonoma. Activities may include:

• Weeding
• Trash pick-up
• Getting to know your neighbors
• Learning about native plants
• Sharing a sack lunch
• Connecting with nature at your local park

For questions or to express interest, please email nathansonstewards@gmail.com or patrick@sonomaecologycenter.org.

Need some extra time to clean up after the big day? Or just get the kids out of the house over winter break? We’ve got you covered at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park with our upcoming Day Camp. Join the Sugarloaf Staff and SEC Education staff for a day of fun, learning, and outdoor activity. Based on our summer Creek Camp, we plan on having a nature hike and learning about the creatures of the park. And we will end the day with s’mores and hot chocolate around a campfire. The camp will be based out of the Visitors Center. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $40, or $20 for Sugarloaf members or for a second child from the same family. For ages 7 to 12.

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. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We will provide tools, food and beverages. If you are a current State Parks volunteer, signup in vicnet. If you are an SEC volunteer, sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4aaca62ca3ff2-sugarloaf1

More than a dozen amphibians find refuge in the Mayacamas Mountains. Join biologist Dan Levitis in visiting with them.This will be a moderate hike with some uphill and lots of stops. Bring cameras if you have them, and good shoes for rocky, wet, or uneven trails. Tickets: $10 each; members / volunteers $5. Parking fees apply.

Celebrate the New Year with a hike to Bald Mountain. This 5.25 to 6.5-mile hike (final route will be determined by trail conditions) will include a climb of 1,500 feet, featuring fantastic 360 degree views of Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and San Francisco. Be prepared for inclement weather. Pack a lunch. Hike is free and no RSVP required. Parking fees apply. Meet at the main day-use lot.