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Apr
14
Sun
Slow Wildflower Journeys @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 14 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Do you enjoy a slow walks in a valley, breezes, wildflowers, the sounds of songbirds, the taste of a Douglas Fir needle or a California Bay leaf, the aroma of Tarweed, or watching wild turkeys and California Quail hunt for seeds and insects in the grass? Join California Certified Naturalists Judy Armstrong and Judy Withee for this series of meandering explorations. Each month (weather-permitting) we will explore one or two of our three accessible trails– the Creekside Trail, the Nature Trail, and the Meadow trail. Suitable for all levels and a range of mobility, these Sunday afternoon adventures will accommodate young children, parents with babies in strollers, and people using walkers or wheelchairs as well as those who just enjoy slow walks in nature that stimulate the five senses.

Our April program will focus on the wildflowers along Meadow Trail, an unpaved fire road that is mostly flat although not ADA-compliant. Some wheelchair users with off-road capacity chairs have successfully travelled this trail, which during the dry season is relatively accessible for viewing different habitats including a large meadow. We will travel from the White Barn about a mile out into Meadow trail, to the big wooden bridge that crosses Sonoma Creek in search of Diogenes’ Lanterns, California poppies, Brodiaia, Clarkias, etc. There will be frequent stops and opportunities for conversation, photography, nature journaling, wildlife viewing, resting, etc., so bring your nature journal, camera, or binoculars, if you have them.

Tickets are $5-$10 sliding scale for adults and free for children under 12. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water and if desired, a snack.

Ease of access: There is one van-designated accessible parking spot at the White Barn, as well as an accessible porta-potty. Recumbent bicycles are welcome!

May
26
Sun
Slow Habitat Journeys @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
May 26 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Do you enjoy slow walks in a valley, breezes, wildflowers, the sounds of songbirds, the taste of a Douglas Fir needle or a California Bay leaf, the aroma of tarweed, or watching wild turkeys and California Quail hunt for seeds and insects in the grass? Join California Certified Naturalists Marie-Kay Hansen and Judy Armstrong for this series of meandering explorations. Each month (weather-permitting) we will explore one or two of our accessible trails– the Creekside Nature Trail, or the Meadow Trail. Suitable for all levels and a range of mobility, these Sunday afternoon adventures will accommodate young children, parents with babies in strollers, and people using walkers or wheelchairs as well as those who just enjoy slow walks in nature that stimulate the five senses.

Our May program will focus on the serpentine grassland along Meadow Trail, chaparral along Hillside Trail, the riparian area and oak woodlands adjacent to Creekside Trail, and the fir forests on Sugarloaf Ridge above the campground. There will be frequent stops and opportunities for conversation, photography, nature journaling, wildlife viewing, resting, etc., so bring your nature journal, camera, or binoculars, if you have them. We also invite you to bring a small, foldable camping chair, if you think you might need it.

Tickets are $5-$10 sliding scale for adults and free for children under 12. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water and if desired, a snack.

Ease of access: There is one van-designated accessible parking spot at the White Barn, as well as an accessible porta-potty. The Lower Bald Mt Trail trailhead from the Observatory is a rough gravel hiking trail of approximately 671ft in length and 54ft of elevation gain. Meadow Trail is an unpaved fire road that is mostly flat although not technically ADA-compliant. Some wheelchair users with off-road capacity chairs have successfully travelled this trail, which during the dry season is relatively accessible for viewing different habitats including a large meadow. Hillside has three trailheads; the northernmost one that connects the Meadow Trail with the White Barn is relatively flat and compacted gravel. The Creekside Nature Trail is a 0.49-mi (one way) ADA-compliant trail. The path from Creekside to the amphitheater is a 433ft unpaved road with a maximum running slope of 13%. The path from the amphitheater center to the campground is 77ft, concrete paved, with a narrow bridge with tall side rails.

For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.