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Apr
7
Sun
Sugarloaf New Volunteer Orientation & Social | Orientación y convivio para voluntarios nuevos @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 7 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

[En español abajo]

Enjoy the beauty of this special place in Sonoma Valley while joining our wonderful community of volunteers. Volunteer with Team Sugarloaf and become an integral piece in keeping Sugarloaf Ridge State Park operating. Join us for an orientation on April 7, 2024, from 1:00-5:00pm to learn about the history of Sugarloaf, how Sonoma Ecology Center operates the park, and what volunteer opportunities we have. The orientation will take place in the Robert Ferguson Observatory classroom followed by a volunteer social potluck at the group camp from 3:30-5:00 pm where you can meet some of our active volunteers.

Volunteers play a vital role at Sugarloaf. We have a host of volunteer opportunities to restore and maintain this natural treasure and to help to keep Sugarloaf open to the public. Initial training is provided, with periodic docent enrichment events. We need volunteers to:

– Become docents at the Visitor Center
– Direct visitors at the entrance kiosk
– Assist with data entry
– Aid project research and grant-writing
– Work on trail and park maintenance projects
– Facilitate special events and parking
– Spanish/English literacy and conversational fluency is a plus

View more volunteer opportunities and specifics in our website. Experience is not necessary but welcomed, as well as a willingness to learn and the desire to share that knowledge with our visitors. We ask for a minimum of 4 hours per month of volunteer service. Please create a Better Impact account to start the process. Bring a notepad and pen, a reusable drink container for warm beverages, dress in layers, and if you’re inclined, something to share for the potluck.

Attending a Volunteer Orientation is required to become a volunteer at Sugarloaf. English is needed for all positions. Spanish-English literacy or fluency is a plus for all positions. Please share this opportunity!

Ease of access: the Robert Ferguson Observatory has an ADA-compliant wooden deck/ramp to access the classroom. There is one van-designated parking spot and although not ADA or van designated, there is lots more parking adjacent to the Observatory/group camp. The group camp is a large area to the left of the Robert Ferguson Observatory. The ground is a mix of soil and woodchips navigable on a power chair. There is an accessible porta-potty and a water spigot on site. The picnic tables and benches are not ADA-compliant but are available.

CREATE YOUR BETTER IMPACT ACCOUNT

For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.


ESPAÑOL: Disfruta de la belleza de este lugar especial en el Valle de Sonoma mientras te unes a una maravillosa comunidad de voluntarios. Ven a ser voluntario con Team Sugarloaf y forma una parte integral en la operación del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge. Acompáñanos en una orientación para voluntarios nuevos el domingo 7 de abril, de la 1:0 a las 5:00pm para aprender acerca de la historia de Sugarloaf, cómo Sonoma Ecology Center opera el parque, y oportunidades de voluntariado. La orientación será dentro aula del Observatorio Robert Ferguson seguida por un convivio estilo potluck en el área de acampar en grupo de las 3:30 a las 5:00 pm, en donde podrás conocer a algunos de nuestros voluntarios vigentes.

Voluntarios desempeñan un rol vital en Sugarloaf. Tenemos muchas oportunidades para restaurar y mantener este tesoro natural y para ayudar a mantener Sugarloaf abierto al público. Proveemos capacitación inicial, con oportunidades periódicas de aprendizaje. Necesitamos voluntarios para:
-docentes en el centro de visitantes
-dirigir visitantes en el quiosco
-ayuda con entrada de datos
–ayuda con proyectos investigativos y propuestas para conseguir fondos
-trabajar en proyectos de mantenimiento en los senderos y alrededor del parque
-facilitar eventos especiales/estacionamiento
-continuar creciendo nuestros programas bilingües, especialmente en español e inglés

Encuentra más oportunidades voluntarias y especificaciones en nuestro sitio web. Experiencia no es necesaria pero bienvenida, al igual que la disposición de aprender y el deseo de impartir estos conocimientos con visitantes. Pedimos que voluntarios por favor estén disponibles un mínimo de 4 horas por mes. Por favor empieza el proceso creando un perfil en Better Impact. Ven abrigado, trae una libreta, un lapicero, tu contenedor de bebidas reusable, y si deseas, algo para compartir durante el convivio.

Se requiere atender la orientación de voluntarios para ser un voluntario en Sugarloaf. Todas las posiciones necesitan dominio del inglés; se valorará experiencia de candidatos bilingües en español e inglés. ¡Por favor comparte esta oportunidad!

Facilidad de acceso: Acceso al aula del Observatorio Robert Ferguson es mediante una rampa de madera que oficialmente cumple con los requerimientos de la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA). Hay un espacio designado para estacionar un vehículo como una miniván o más grande, y aunque el resto del área de estacionamiento no es designada como estacionamiento accesible, puede ser utilizada como accesible. El área de asentamiento dentro del aula principal del observatorio está compuesto de sillas que fácilmente pueden moverse para acomodar ingreso accesible. Hay baños disponibles dentro del edificio, incluyendo un cubículo accesible en cada baño. El área de acampar en grupo es un área grande fuera del observatorio. El suelo es una combinación de tierra y astillas de madera, que pueden ser navegado en una silla de ruedas con motor. Hay un baño portátil accesible y una llave de agua en el sitio. Las mesas de picnic no son accesibles pero están disponibles.

 

ABRE UNA CUENTA EN BETTER IMPACT

Para ver más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario

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!

Apr
20
Sat
Headwaters to Headwaters Hike: A Mayacamas Hiking Adventure @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 20 @ 6:30 am – 5:00 pm

Join Sonoma Ecology Center and Team Sugarloaf and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Sonoma County’s most pristine and breathtaking landscapes with our exclusive fundraising hike. This event will be a grand tour of the Mayacamas Mountains in the northern half of Sonoma Valley, where we will pass close to the headwaters of Santa Rosa and Sonoma Creeks. This unique adventure offers participants a rare opportunity to traverse through areas usually closed to the public, such as the recent Perry Addition to Sonoma County parks. Whether you choose the 11-mile classic route or the 17-mile epic option, you’ll be treated to a day filled with stunning vistas, challenging trails, and the camaraderie of fellow nature enthusiasts. As you navigate through rolling hills, serene creeks, and towering oaks, you’ll push your limits and contribute to a noble cause. The hike culminates in a communal barbecue dinner, where stories of the day’s journey can be shared among new friends.

Sign up today to secure your spot in this remarkable experience and help us support the preservation of Sonoma County’s natural treasures. Sponsorship opportunities are available for those looking to make an even greater impact.

This year, we have two versions:

  1. Classic Route  – from the Los Alamos parking lot in Hood Mountain Regional Park to Sugarloaf’s day-use picnic area via the McCormick Addition and Bald Mountain Trail. 11 miles; 3,200 ft of elevation (bus from Sugarloaf).
  2. Epic Option – Sugarloaf’s main parking lot to Goodspeed Trail into Hood Mtn, down to the McCormick Addition and joining the rest of the group. 17 miles; 5,600 ascent. This is a rigorous hike for advanced hikers only (limited to 15 tickets).

WHY SUPPORT US?

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is operated by Sonoma Ecology Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. While Sugarloaf is a California State Park, we do not receive operational funding from the State. It is our visitors, donors, volunteers, and members who make it possible for us to keep Sugarloaf Ridge State Park open for the community to enjoy.

Since 2012, Sonoma Ecology Center has worked to make the park accessible and welcoming to a broader audience through community-focused programs.

Some of our programming highlights include:

  • Our Senderos Program targets the Spanish-speaking community, bringing thousands of new visitors to the park for nature events and first-time camping experiences. Learn More.
  • The Slow Journeys Program offers nature hikes and events on flat, smooth paths, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. Learn More.
  • The ParkRx Program at Sugarloaf is the nation’s most active, providing over 1,000 participants annually free access to approximately 90 activities, including fitness hiking series, yoga hikes, Tai Chi classes, and forest therapy sessions, all prescribed by medical providers. Learn more.
  • We have earned recognition as a role model in establishing impactful relationships with the local Native American tribe, the Mishewal-Wappo. Our relationship is grounded in respect, patience, and courage. Learn More.


What are the keys to our success in building
vibrant and inclusive programing?

  • Deep community ties: We continuously strengthen our connections across all community sectors, enhancing our understanding of community needs and fostering collaborations with other local organizations.
  • Innovative marketing and outreach: Our multi-channel marketing strategy reaches every community member, featuring a large email list, a dynamic social media presence, collaborations with local newspapers and websites, online advertising, and partnerships with numerous local organizations and groups.
  • A Committed Volunteer Program: Many of our programs, including ParkRx and Slow Journeys, rely on a dedicated and skilled volunteer force, allowing us to offer these events at a significantly lower cost than other organizations.
  • Test-and-learn philosophy: We continuously evolve our programs through learning, modifying, and documenting, ensuring they become impactful and financially sustainable.

By supporting us, you contribute to a legacy of inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement at Sonoma Ecology Center’s management of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

Tickets: $95 each. Tickets include parking, shuttle transportation to Hood Mtn, snacks, drinks, and a BBQ dinner.
Underwriting Options: Help us defray the event’s costs and make it a true fundraiser. All of these options are tax deductible and include one ticket to the classic route of this hike.

  • Epic Underwriter: $5,000
  • Monumental Mover (and Shaker): $2,500
  • Peak Provider: $750
  • Sugar Sponsor: $500

ROUTE DETAILS

Classic Route:  Participants will arrive at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park by 8:45am, with shuttle buses departing at 9:00am for Hood Mountain Regional Park. The hike begins at the Los Alamos parking lot, taking the Santa Rosa Creek Trail to Homestead Meadow and entering Sugarloaf via the McCormick Addition. The route ascends Quercus Trail, passes the former site of the Grandmother Oak, and stops briefly at Red Hill before continuing up Maple Glen Trail. After lunch atop ‘Hill 2530,’ hikers return to Sugarloaf via ascending Bald Mountain, concluding with a barbecue dinner in the day-use area around 3:30pm. The journey spans roughly 11 miles and climbs 3,200 ft in elevation.

Epic Option (for advanced hikers only): Meet at Sugarloaf’s Visitor Center at 6:15am for a 6:30am departure via Pony Gate and Goodspeed Trails. Meet up with the group hiking from the Los Alamos parking lot at the Santa Rosa Creek crossing (in Hood Mtn Regional Park) at about 10:00am, before entering Sugarloaf’s McCormick Addition.

Pack a lunch for the stop at Hill 2530, at least half a gallon of water and electrolytes, sun protection, and additional socks. Be prepared to walk 11 or 17 miles (depending on the route you registered for) over steep and sometimes rough terrain, with a stream crossing of minimal depth. Dress appropriately for the weather and the ticks.

Ticket sales end on 4/16 to give us an estimate of how many buses we will need for shuttling and how much food to prepare.

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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Apr
27
Sat
Butterfly Walk (2024 CNC Weekend) @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 27 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Community scientists John Hibbard and Alex Weishaar lead this easy-to-moderate 2-mile butterfly walk as part of 2024’s City Nature Challenge. We will encourage butterfly and bug photography; cameras, binoculars, hand lenses, and field guides are recommended. Stop by the greenhouse (across from the White Barn) between 11:00 am-12:00 pm prior to the walk for everything butterfly-related.

Meet at the White Barn for the walk. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under 18. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water, a fully-charged battery on your mobile device, butterfly identification guides (if you have them), and if desired, a snack. Parking fees apply; rains cancel.

The 2024 City Nature Challenge runs from April 26 to 29. It’s a bioblitz-style friendly competition where cities are in a contest against each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. Learn more about City Nature Challenge or view the Sugarloaf Project here!

Participants of any level of experience can help find, photograph, record, and/or identify life in the park. Smartphones with the iNaturalist app will be our main tool, but those lacking phones are also welcome to participate. If you haven’t used iNaturalist, or haven’t made an observation for a while, this is your chance – just make sure to load the iNaturalist app on your phone before you arrive. This event is part of the Challenge along with other events scheduled from April 26-29.

Ease of access: The White Barn parking lot has one van-accessible parking spot and an accessible porta-potty. We’re unable to determine ease of access for the hike as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (temperatures, seasonality of butterflies, etc).

______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar of events.

Apr
28
Sun
Butterfly Walk (2024 CNC Weekend) @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Apr 28 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Community scientists John Hibbard and Alex Weishaar lead this easy-to-moderate 2-mile butterfly walk as part of 2024’s City Nature Challenge. We will encourage butterfly and bug photography; cameras, binoculars, hand lenses, and field guides are recommended. Stop by the greenhouse (across from the White Barn) between 11:00 am-12:00 pm prior to the walk for everything butterfly-related.

Meet at the White Barn for the walk. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under 18. Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water, a fully-charged battery on your mobile device, butterfly identification guides (if you have them), and if desired, a snack. Parking fees apply; rains cancel.

The 2024 City Nature Challenge runs from April 26 to 29. It’s a bioblitz-style friendly competition where cities are in a contest against each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. Learn more about City Nature Challenge or view the Sugarloaf Project here!

Participants of any level of experience can help find, photograph, record, and/or identify life in the park. Smartphones with the iNaturalist app will be our main tool, but those lacking phones are also welcome to participate. If you haven’t used iNaturalist, or haven’t made an observation for a while, this is your chance – just make sure to load the iNaturalist app on your phone before you arrive. This event is part of the Challenge along with other events scheduled from April 26-29.

Ease of access: The White Barn parking lot has one van-accessible parking spot and an accessible porta-potty. We’re unable to determine ease of access for the hike as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (temperatures, seasonality of butterflies, etc).

______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar of events.

May
4
Sat
Senderos: Flora @ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
May 4 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Sábado 4 de mayo, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma & Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge

Ven a una caminata donde exploraremos algunas de las plantas originarias en Sugarloaf, su historia natural, herbología y folklore. Nos reuniremos en el estacionamiento principal y caminaremos los senderos Lower Bald Mountain y Stern. ¡Evento gratuito! Por favor regístrate por adelantado, ya que proveeremos transportación, lo cual limita el cupo a 25, y este evento se llenará pronto. Transportación gratuita de la Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma (755 West Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476) a Sugarloaf (2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452) y de regreso es proveída con tu registraciónEl autobús saldrá de la biblioteca prontamente a las 9:30am al Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge y regresará a la biblioteca alrededor de las 12:30 pm.

Viste capas, calzado adecuado para senderos pedregosos/resbaladizos, protección solar, trae al menos un litro de agua, y si deseas, un bocadillo. Te sugerimos traer una lupa, algo en que arrodillarse, y una guía de identificación de plantas, si la tienes. 

Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama a Alma al 707-247-5767.

Información acerca de plantas comestibles es sólamente para propósitos educativos. Procurarse de alimentos (plantas, semillas, hongos, etc.) en los parques estatales de California es ilegal.

Facilidad de acceso: El estacionamiento principal posee un espacio designado como accesible para vagonetas y un inodoro rústico. No hay agua potable en el área. El comienzo del sendero Lower Bald Mountain que empieza en el estacionamiento principal es un sendero de tierra y grave de una sola vía. Mide aproximadamente una milla, y cuenta con 500 pies de elevación. Tiene secciones angostas con escalones y zigzags, como también áreas más anchas en pleno sol. El sendero Stern es una carretera cortafuegos rudamente pavimentada con algunas secciones de grava suelta empinadas. Mide aproximadamente una milla, con la segunda mitad de esa milla siendo plana y soleada.

Este evento es en colaboración con Sonoma Valley Regional Library y es respaldado por Route to Parks, un proyecto de Parks California.
Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página
Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario


ENGLISH Senderos: Flora (en español)
Sat, 5/4, 9:30 am -12:30 pm
Sonoma Valley Regional Library & Sugarloaf Ridge SP

Join us on this walk about some of Sugarloaf’s native plants, their natural history, and folklore. This event is planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking Latino audience. Families from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. Email senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org with your questions.

Ease of access: The main parking lot has one van-accessible parking space and an accessible vault toilet. There is no running water in this area. The Lower Bald Mountain trailhead beginning from the main parking lot is a single-track dirt and gravel trail of approximately one mile in length and 500 ft of elevation gain. It has narrow sections with steps and switchbacks, as well as some wider sections in full sun exposure. Stern Trail is a roughly-paved fireroad with a few steep areas of loose gravel. It is about a mile in length, with the second half of the mile being flatter and sunny.

Edible plant information is for educational purposes only. Foraging is illegal in CA State Parks.

This event is in collaboration with Sonoma Valley Regional Library and sponsored by the Route to Parks Grant, a project of Parks California.
Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.

For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

May
11
Sat
Senderos & RFO: Observación de estrellas @ Robert Ferguson Observatory
May 11 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm

¡Ven a conocer más acerca de nuestro universo! Los docentes del Observatorio Robert Ferguson (ubicado dentro del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge) nos guiarán en una charla astronómica bilingüe y en el uso de telescopios para que usted y su familia puedan observar el cosmos. El evento comenzará a las 7:00 pm en el aula del Observatorio con una presentación.

La admisión es $10 para adultos, $5 para jóvenes (12 a 18 años; debe ser acompañado por un adulto responsable), y gratis para menores 12 años. Si posees una tarjeta de EBT, el dueño y tres familiares pueden asistir por gratis a través del programa Museums for All. Regístrate por adelantado ya que el espacio es limitado y se llenará pronto. Recomendamos asistir abrigado, traer agua, una linterna pequeña de mano para aluzar el camino del estacionamiento del granero blanco al estacionamiento del Observatorio, (pero no puede ser usada cerca del Observatorio a menos que tenga un filtro rojo)  y si la tienes, una guía al cosmos norteamericano. Nos reuniremos en el estacionamiento del granero blanco. El estacionamiento, usualmente $10, es gratis para este evento.

Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama a Alma al 707-247-5767. Condiciones lluviosas cancelan el evento.

Facilidad de acceso: el Observatorio Robert Ferguson se ubica dentro del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge. Cuenta con un espacio designado para estacionar vans que necesitan acceso y aunque no oficialmente, hay mucho estacionamiento que puede ser accesible en esa misma área y en el estacionamiento del granero blanco. Hay una rampa que oficialmente cumple con los requerimientos de la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) para ingresar al observatorio. El área de asentamiento en el aula principal del observatorio está compuesto de sillas que fácilmente pueden moverse. Hay baños disponibles dentro del edificio, incluyendo uno accesible. El telescopio de la sala oeste tiene una rampa portátil, y el telescopio de la sala este es una pantalla grande instalada en la pared.  

BOLETOS AQUÍ.

Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para aprender más acerca de RFO, visita su página de internet. Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario.


Senderos & RFO: Star Observing (en español)
Saturday, May 11, 9:00-11:00 pm

Come learn more about our universe! Robert Ferguson Observatory (inside Sugarloaf Ridge State Park) docents will guide us in a bilingual astronomical presentation and in the use of telescopes for you and your family to observe the cosmos. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. in the Observatory classroom with a presentation.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for youth (12-18 year olds; must be accompanied by a responsible adult), and free for children under 12 years old. If you have a current EBT card, the owner and three family members from the same household can register for free through the Museums for All Program. Please register in advance, as space is limited and this event will fill up quickly. This event is planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking Latino audience. Families from underrepresented groups are encouraged to attend. Wear layers, bring water, a small flashlight (for walking to the gate only; white light is not to be used around the Observatory unless it has a red filter). We’ll meet at the White Barn parking lot. Parking, usually $10, will be waived for this event thanks to the generosity of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

For more information, email us at senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org or call Alma al 707-247-5767. Rainy conditions cancel.

Ease of access: the Robert Ferguson Observatory is located within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. There is one van-designated parking spot and although not ADA or van-designated, there is more parking adjacent to the Observatory/group camp and at the White Barn lot. The observatory has a wooden ramp from the designated parking space to the main level deck. Inside the classroom, seating is fluid and mobile. There is an accessible stall in the bathroom inside the building and an accessible porta-potty at the group camp (directly outside the observatory). The telescope in the west wing has a mobile ramp and the telescope in the east wing projects off a screen attached to the wall.

TICKETS

Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
To learn more about RFO, visit their website. For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

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.