One of the most defining scenic features of Sonoma County are the majestic oak trees scattered throughout our neighborhoods, parks, valleys, and hillsides. These trees play a critical role in our local ecosystem, providing support to more life forms than any other North American tree genus. However, this important ecosystem is now facing a serious threat – the Mediterranean Oak Borer (Xyleborus monographus). This tiny but destructive insect is native to southern Europe and is suspected to be introduced to Sonoma County through oak used in the wine industry. Its infestations can cause significant damage to oak trees, potentially leading to tree mortality.

These borers primarily target valley and blue oak trees that are already stressed or weakened due to fire, drought, or other disease. The female borer burrows into the tree's bark, creating tunnels where they introduce fungal spores. This fungus feeds the larvae and adults while also damaging and/or killing the tree over time by disrupting its water and nutrient transport systems. The beetles tend to invade upper limbs of the canopy first and then move down towards the lower trunk.

Preventing the spread of Mediterranean Oak Borers will require a community effort. Be mindful in your surroundings and take a look at the oaks in your area - do they look healthy or are you seeing signs of a possible infestation? Help to educate yourself, neighbors, and friends about the signs and symptoms of an infestation and ways to prevent them. If you do see some signs of a possible infestation, be sure to reach out to a local arborist such as Merlin Arborist Group who can help to assess the tree or the California Department of Food and Agriculture to report the tree. Through vigilance, proper tree care, and community collaboration, we can combat this invasive pest and protect one of our most important ecological resources.

For more information on how to identify and prevent infestations, check out these links from: University of California, Updates from UCCE Sonoma County, California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Sparky is powerful in more ways than one! Besides not burning fossil fuels as we drive to and from our work sites, we can use the extra power from Sparky’s battery bank to directly power tools and recharge tool batteries via multiple power outlets. This onboard power is essential for switching over from gas-powered tools to cleaner and quieter professional grade electric and battery powered tools; brush cutters, chainsaws, weed-eaters, etc... We hope to have our field operations mostly switched over battery and electric power within a year’s time. There is a myriad of opportunities that we have not even thought of yet! Plus, we look forward to using Sparky’s onboard power for making fresh brewed, HOT coffee and tea for volunteers during this upcoming Laguna Stewards out in the field this upcoming season!

FREE. No RSVP necessary. Garden Tours at 1pm & 2pm. More details.

FREE. No RSVP necessary. Light refreshments provided. More details.

We are pleased to invite you to our exhibition opening celebration. Esteemed artist, Charles Beck, is featuring his large-scale paintings of Sonoma County’s coastal and inland areas in this new art exhibit “Sonoma County Landscape” on display at the Laguna Environmental Center, September 9 – December 22, 2023. No registration necessary - refreshments provided!

$45. Pre-registration required by September 1.

Help the Laguna Foundation host informative and fun community events. We offer a wide range of presentations, outings and workshops all year long to deepen our appreciation for the Laguna de Santa Rosa, connect with nature, and inspire a vibrant community dedicated to lifelong learning. These educational and outreach events are not possible without volunteer support!

Free! Pre-registration required.

Vernal pools are unique ecosystems found in the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed that host many threatened and endangered species found only in Sonoma County! Our conservation and restoration team will lead us in everything from raking and removing thatch, to preparing for planting endangered Sebastopol Meadowfoam seeds Our Laguna Foundation education and restoration staff will also share some insight about the environmental field and the vast work and impact of the organization.