Santa Rosa
California
Sonoma County Regional Parks News - March 2023
Sports and Recreation
March 6, 2023
From: Sonoma County Regional ParksThere's a lot happening in your parks this spring! Join us for yoga, wildflower walks, after-dark outings, volunteer opportunities and more – including hiking and kayaking adventures to celebrate Spring Lake's 50th birthday.
Adventurous Explorers
Parks after Dark
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to visit Sonoma County parks at night? Glimpse these parks in a new light as the sun sets in these exclusive after-hours excursions. Registration required.
April 1: Spring Lake Regional Park
May 27: Crane Creek Regional Park
Bill & Dave Hikes
Parks staff and volunteers are carrying forward the famous Bill & Dave Hikes, continuing to offer the style of adventurous hikes the duo made famous before their retirement. Join us to check out favorite trails and parks, preview new parklands, learn about the local ecosystem and enjoy a day out in nature. Registration required.
March 4: Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail
April 1: Tolay Lake Regional Park
May 13: Calabazas Creek Regional Park and Preserve
Nature Curious
Plant Walks
An astonishing diversity of native plants are found in Northern California – from those with medicinal uses to blooming wildflowers. Join us to explore them all! Morning and afternoon outings available. Maybe you'll spy a Pacific hound’s tongue, shown above.
March 4: Sonoma Valley Regional Park, 9:30 a.m.
March 4: Sonoma Valley Regional Park, 1 p.m.
March 18: Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Preserve, 9:30 a.m.
March 18: Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Preserve, 1 p.m.
April 1: Foothill Regional Park, 9:30 a.m.
April 16: Hood Mountain Regional Park and Preserve, 9:30 a.m.
April 16: Hood Mountain Regional Park and Preserve, 1 p.m.
May 13: North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Preserve, 9:30 a.m.
May 13: North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Preserve, 1 p.m
Want to do a self-guided tour? Download our Sonoma County Wildflower Guide.
Whale watching at Gualala Point
Spot spouts, tails and breeching whales! It’s time to observe the annual whale migration passing through ocean waters just off the Sonoma Coast. Grab your binoculars and join us!
March 11: Whale Watching Adventure, Gualala Point Regional Park
Yoga in the parks
Yoga classes designed for every body and all levels – outdoors! Come enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of nature and the strength-building, yet grounding, benefits of yoga practice. Asanas yoga is offered several times this spring, in various locations around the county. Registration required.
Kids in Nature
Junior Rangers
These ranger-led activities are specifically tailored for kids ages 9 and older. Learn about ecology and stewardship during these immersive programs. Registration required.
March 11: Fire Ecology Hike at Mark West Creek Regional Park and Preserve
May 14: Kayaking with a Ranger at Wohler Bridge
Science Saturdays
Bring your junior scientists over to the Spring Lake's Environmental Discovery Center to enjoy a kids-only, interactive science hour. Activities are ideal for kids ages 6-12. Morning and afternoon sessions available. Registration required.
April 8: Craft a Habitat, 11 a.m.
April 8: Craft a Habitat, 1 p.m.
May 13: Invisible Ink, 11 a.m.
Register for summer camp
Summer camps are filling up fast, but we've still got spots left, so sign up now!
Naturaleza Cura
Deepen your connection to the natural world and Latinx culture with this summer camp experience through activities such as hiking, exploring, kayaking in the lake and swimming in the lagoon. Open to youth ages 9 to 12 at time of participation.
June 19-23: Spring Lake Regional Park, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
June 24-28: Spring Lake Regional Park, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Junior Guard Camp
All professional rescuers start their training somewhere! Spend the week with our expert open-water lifeguards at Spring Lake. Learn lifeguarding skills such as swimming and paddling rescues, boating safety and first aid. Open to youth ages 10 to 14 at time of participation.
June 26-30: Spring Lake Regional Park, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
July 10-14: Spring Lake Regional Park, 9 a.m-4 p.m.
July 31-Aug. 4: Spring Lake Regional Park, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Seniors Outdoors
Calling all seniors! Whether you want to take an easy stroll along accessible trails, tackle a strenuous hike, hit the water in a kayak or view our feathered friends, we have an adventure for you. View our calendar of outings for seniors here.
Wild Words Book Club
Cozy up with a good book and explore the magical world of nature through literature with other like-minded folks in the Wild Words Book Club, meeting virtually once a month on Friday afternoons.
April 7: Anthill by Edwin O. Wilson
May 5: Natural State by Steven Gilbar
Earth Helpers
Pitch in for parks
We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities to help build trails, keep parks litter-free, staff special events, and much more. Whether you're an experienced volunteer or a first-timer who's interested in sprucing up your neighborhood gem, we've got several opportunities this spring to lend a hand to your local parks – even a clean up by kayak. Registration required.
Mark your calendar
Five decades and counting
The iconic Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa opened to the public half a century ago. To mark this milestone birthday, we're inviting the public to come enjoy a series of outings in the park this May. The celebration continues throughout the year. Registration required for most, check calendar for details.
May 6: Kayak con Familias, 10 a.m.
May 6: Kayak con Familias, 1 p.m.
May 6: Land and Lake Nature Walk, 9 a.m.
May 6: Land and Lake Nature Walk, 1 p.m.
May 7: Volunteer Work Day, Kayak Clean Up
Let your creativity flow at Castles & Kites
Bring your own kites, shovels, and buckets to join professional and amateur kite flyers and sand-castle builders as they descend on the sandy shores of Doran Regional Park on Saturday, May 20, for this annual community event. More information.