TICKET SALES WILL END ON FEBRUARY 12, 11:59 PM. PLEASE REGISTER BY THIS DEADLINE.
Location: Multiple Locations around Sonoma County (including Sugarloaf Ridge State Park)
Sonoma County is full of amazing wildlife discoveries for those that know how to make them. From the Mountain Lions of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, the shorebirds of Bodega Bay, tiny plankton, dragonflies, to big old bears, thousands of species of wild animals call Sonoma County home.
In this course, students will learn how to find, document, and observe a wide variety of our native animals through a series of field trips to natural areas. Emphasis will be on learning field methods that students can employ with only low-cost equipment, and on recognizing the major groups of animals and how to photograph them. We’ll learn some ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation biology along the way, but our focus will be on the field methods. Scholarships are available to reduce costs for those in need of financial assistance, and carpools can be arranged for those needing transportation.
Instructor: Dr. Dan Levitis studied zoology at the University of California, Berkeley, and has taught zoology, ecology, evolutionary biology, demography, and conservation biology at the university level. For Sonoma Ecology Center he has previously taught New Ecological Scientist Training, California Naturalist Training, and Climate Stewardship, as well as leading programs to document the biodiversity of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and the Sonoma Developmental Center. He is Community Science Coordinator for Sonoma Ecology Center.
We have reached our capacity for scholarships. Please contact Tony at tony@sonomaecologycenter.org for questions.
Preliminary Topics and Locations List:
Sundays 10:00 am-2:00 pm unless otherwise noted*
Week 1: Bodega Bay: Introductions, Shorebirds and tide pools (7:00-11:00 am)*
Week 2: Trione-Anadell State Park: Conduct in the field and Amphibians
Week 3: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park: Camera Trapping, and Digital Tools
Week 3: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park: Creek Life, Camera Trapping Results
Week 4: Jack London State Park: Animal Behavior
Week 5: TBD: Parasites in the wild
Week 6: TBD: Cover objects and soil dwellers
Week 7: TBD: Mammal Scat, Tracks, and Sign
Week 8: Sonoma Developmental Center: Insect netting, pollinators, and a social gathering.
UPDATE 3/10, 5:00 p.m.: This event has been postponed from 3/10 to 4/1 due to weather.
Join Certified California Naturalist Mary Good on a hike exploring the medicinal and edible plants of the park. Weaving in natural history, ethnobotany, herbalism and folktales, this walk will open your senses, as well as your curiosity to the abundance of plantlore in Sonoma County. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7.5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds), Sugarloaf members and Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children under 12. Bring at least a quart of water and a snack and be prepared for a 2 to 3 mile walk with a 300 foot climb. Meet at the White Barn parking lot.
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for two miles of leisurely walking and chatting over moderate and possibly muddy terrain. Heavy rains cancel; parking fees apply.
Edible plant information is for educational purposes only. Foraging is illegal in CA State Parks.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
30/3/2023: Evento cancelado debido al frío y otros desafíos de logística.
NOTICIA (jueves, 9 de marzo): este evento ha sido pospuesto al sábado 1ro de abril, 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. debido al clima.
Sábado 28 de febrero, 2:00 -3:30pm
¡Salamandras, ranas y renacuajos, para esta caminata estaremos observando bocabajo! Ven a aprender acerca de los anfibios en Sugarloaf con nuestra Gerente de proyectos de investigación, Wendy Hayes. Tendremos la oportunidad de aprender como utilizar la aplicación móvil iNaturalist para ayudarnos a identificar especímenes que encontremos, así que cerciórate de que la batería de tu dispositivo esté cargada.
La ruta final será determinada ese día basado en el clima y las condiciones de los senderos. Nos reuniremos afuera del centro de visitantes. Los boletos cuestan $5 para adultos y son gratis para menores de 18 años. Regístrate por adelantado ya que el espacio es limitado y se llenará pronto. El estacionamiento, usualmente $10, es gratis para este evento.
Vístete en capas, y con calzado adecuado para senderos lodosos/resbaladizos, trae al menos un litro de agua, protección solar, y si deseas, un bocadillo. Sugerimos traer algo en que arrodillarse, y una guía de identificación de anfibios, si la tienes. También te invitamos a traer una taza para que tus pequeños disfruten de chocolate caliente después de la caminata.
Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a Alma o Arsel por senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org. Las lluvias fuertes posponen el evento al próximo fin de semana (4 de marzo).
Facilidad de acceso: no es posible saber la facilidad de acceso de este programa, ya que la ruta se decidirá el día del evento basada en las condiciones de los senderos y habilidad de los participantes.
Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario.
ENGLISH Semiaquatic Senderos (en español)
3/30/2023: Event canceled due to the cold and other logistics.
UPDATE: This event has been postponed to Sat, 4/1, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. due to weather.
Saturday, February 28, 2:00-3:30 pm
Salamanders, frogs, and tadpoles, for this hike we’ll be looking down low. Come learn about the amphibians of Sugarloaf with Wendy Hayes, Sonoma Ecology Center’s Research Project Manager. We’ll have opportunity to learn how to use iNaturalist to help us identify species we encounter, so make sure your mobile device battery is full.
The final route will be determined based on weather and trail conditions. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under 18. Please register in advance, as space is limited. This event is planned around a primarily Latino audience. Families from underrepresented groups are encouraged to attend.
Wear layers, appropriate footwear for muddy/slippery trails, bring at least a quart of water, sun protection, and if desired, a snack. We suggest bringing something to kneel on and an amphibian identifying guide if you have one. We also encourage you to bring a reusable cup for your little ones to enjoy hot cocoa post hike.
For more information, e-mail Alma or Arsel at senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org. Heavy rains postpone the event to the following weekend (3/4).
Ease of access: we’re unable to determine ease of access as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (mud, small water crossings, slippery trails, etc).
Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Have you ever tasted a Douglas Fir needle or a California Laurel leaf? You will have opportunities to observe, smell, touch, taste, draw, and photograph some of the park’s offerings as we encounter, share, and discuss our interactions with nature. This interactive outing will all take place on flat paths and trails that are suitable for participants who bring strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, canes, or anyone with limited mobility. We will have a few stops of 5-10 minutes for nature journaling, sketching for kids, or photography, so bring your nature journal, camera, or binoculars, if you have them.
This outing will take place inside Sugarloaf Ridge SP’s campground. Limited parking for people with CA Disabled Placards, Plates, or stickers will be available in sites 6 and 7; please let us know at the time of sign up if you need this accommodation. If you don’t need accessible parking, please park at the main parking lot and meet us over at site 6. Tickets are $10 for general audiences, $5 for youth, students, Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children under 12. Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Bring at least a quart of water and if desired, a snack.
Ease of access: The campground loop is a paved road with a slope of no more than 5°. Accessible parking is available within the campground at sites 6 and 7 for those who request it. Accessible bathrooms are available next to site #9, a few feet away from sites 6 and 7.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
What would life be like thousands of years ago in Wilikos (today known as Sugarloaf Ridge SP)? How are the stories of the Wappo people in Wilikos continuing to evolve today? Join Desi Harp, Sugarloaf staff and member of the Mishewal-Wappo, and Breck Parkman, retired Superior Bay Area Archaeologist for California State Parks and former Sugarloaf resident, in this walk of storytelling and reflection through time.
Tickets are $15 for general audiences, $7.5 for youth (12-17 year olds) and students, Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children under 12. Meet at the White Barn. Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear for two miles of leisurely walking and chatting. Heavy rains cancel; parking fees apply.
Ease of access: The White Barn parking area has one van-accessible designated parking spot and one accessible porta-potty. Although the rest of the parking area is not designated as accessible, it is an open dirt lot that can accommodate up to 40 vehicles. There is a flat, paved 1/4 road from the parking area to the Meadow Trail head. Meadow Trail is a fairly flat, composite gravel trail passable by strollers or wheelchair up to the bridge, about a mile in, but is not officially an ADA trail.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder as you explore the park after dark. This hike begins at the White Barn and heads up to the viewpoint on Vista Trail, where we will see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley.
This moderate-to-strenuous, 4-mile hike with 700ft of elevation is not recommended for children under 8.
Tickets are $10 general, and $5 for youth (12-17 year olds; must be accompanied by an adult), students, Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children 8-12. Be at the meeting location at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the hike for a prompt departure. Bring at least a quart of water, snacks, your flashlight, and extra layers for the evening. Parking fees apply.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Join Sugarloaf docent Dana Glei in a 2-mile hike (250 ft elevation change) focusing on a specific family of birds and learning how to identify them by sight, sound, flight pattern, and/or behavior.
The September hike will focus on raptors. We are almost certain to see the under-appreciated Turkey Vulture and may also see a Red-Tailed Hawk. It is possible, though much less likely that we would see a Red-Shouldered Hawk, Northern Harrier, Sharp-Shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle, or White-Tailed Kite. We’ll start off along sunny Meadow Trail (85% sun exposure) and return along the shadier Hillside Trail.
The October hike will focus on the smartest birds at Sugarloaf: the corvids. We are almost certain to see California Scrub Jays. We may also see Steller’s Jays, American Crows, and/or Ravens. We’ll start off hiking toward the Observatory and then take Lower Bald Mt. to the Creekside trail to the Hillside trail. We will stop at the lookout vista on Hillside. Then, we will return along Hillside to the White Barn.
The November hike will highlight woodpeckers. We are almost certain to see Acorn Woodpeckers. We may also see one or more of the following: Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, or Red-breasted sapsucker. We’ll start off hiking toward the Observatory and then take Lower Bald Mt. to the Creekside trail to the Hillside trail. We will stop at the lookout vista on Hillside. Then, we will return along Hillside to the White Barn.
The series will culminate in April 8th, 2023, with a hike on New World Sparrows.
All hikes meet at the White Barn. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds), Sugarloaf members and volunteers, and free for children under 12. Bring water, sun protection, binoculars, scope, or camera if you have it, and if you’d like, a snack and a bird identification guide. If you use iNaturalist or would like to learn how to use it, make sure it’s already installed on your phone before you arrive for the hike. Parking fees apply.
Enjoy your yoga experience in the beautiful setting of our park! Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation, no mat necessary. The route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. All levels and ages welcome.
Tickets are $30 and include parking if registered in advance online. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed). Meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with a December 2022 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx info.
Ease of access: we’re unable to determine ease of access as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (mud, small water crossings, slippery trails, etc).
Join Certified California Naturalist John Lynch on his wondrous wildflower walks.
On 3/4, we’ll follow Pony Gate Trail’s grassy slope, into the Oak woodland and through a mixed evergreen forest, along Canyon Trail’s shady riparian corridor lined with redwoods, to the 25-foot dramatic plunge of Sonoma Creek and back to the Visitor Center. This hike meets at the Visitor Center.
Departing from the Visitor Center, the 3/25 route takes us on the Creekside and Hillside trails returning via Meadow.
On 4/9, from the White Barn, we’ll scout Hillside to Brushy Peaks turning around at the Neptune picnic table and back on Meadow.
We’ll celebrate Earth Day (4/22) on Vista Trail via Lower Bald Mtn (from the White Barn) and returning on Meadow Trail.
Wear hiking shoes, layers appropriate for weather, bring at least a quart of water, a camera, and wildflower guides if you have one. Tickets are $15 for general audiences, $7.5 for students or youth (12-17 year olds; must be accompanied by an adult), Sugarloaf members and volunteers, and free for children under 12. Parking fees apply. Heavy rain or wind cancels and will be announced by 9AM the day of the hike.
Ease of access: The Pony Gate-Canyon loop is approximately 2 miles with an elevation of 595 ft. Both trails are single-track dirt trails with steps that descend into a canyon. There is a seasonal water crossing (creek bed) on Pony Gate without a bridge.
The Creekside-Hillside-Meadow loop is approximately a 2-mile fire road loop with two 100-foot hills and a small stream crossing with a rudimentary bridge. Meadow is passable by strollers or wheelchair up to the bridge, about a mile in, but is not officially an ADA-compliant trail.
Hillside Trail is a fire road with two 100-foot hills and a small stream crossing. Brushy Peaks Trail is a single-track dirt trail with 650 feet of elevation and steps.
Lower Bald Mtn trail is a single-track gravel and dirt trail with at times, rough terrain and steps. It connects to Bald Mtn Trail, a steep, paved fire road. Vista Trail is a single-track dirt trail with at least three stretches of steep steps and a couple of small, seasonal water crossings. Gray Pine, the connecting trail between Vista and Meadow Trails, has a year-round stream crossing with a board for a bridge.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Volunteers play a crucial role at keeping Sugarloaf Ridge State Park open and accessible to all! Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work by coming to our every-other-Thursday Volunteer Trail Crew. Activities include 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. Long sleeves are suggested as poison oak is present. 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 Sugarloaf volunteer, log onto Better Impact to sign up. First-time volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to formally join our volunteer program if they’d like to support us more frequently. Start here to become a volunteer.