Summer Solstice is on the way, which means long, warm days and the beginning of peak fruit and flower season at Sonoma County farms and farmers' markets! The peach and berry crops are abundant and sweet, and the lavender blooms are fragrant and buzzing with pollinators. But don't take our word for it—experience for yourself!

June is also Dad's month, and we're highlighting some top ways to celebrate Father's Day along the Farm Trails. Plus find out some other great ag-related happenings in the area.

With our very high vaccination rates and very low prevalence of covid, Sonoma County, as with the entire state, is on pace for a complete reopening on June 15. After 15 months of restrictions and capacity limits, local farms, ranches, and ag-related businesses have done an amazing job of adapting and pivoting while continuing to nourish and bring joy to the community. And they are so grateful for your incredible support! As we reopen, please double-check directly with each operation on any changes to their hours, capacity, or protocols, as some businesses may be easing into reopening a bit more gradually than others.

Also, it bears mentioning that Sonoma County—along with the entire state and indeed all western states—is in a drought. Our farmers, ranchers, and producers are doing their best to conserve water, and we ask that you all do your part as well. And feel free to discuss the issue with your farmer or producer. They take their roles as stewards of the environment very seriously, and will be happy to share their practices!

Be sure to visit our website (FarmTrails.org) for lots more info on local farmers' markets, farms, eateries, and producers. As always, thank you for supporting local ag. Cheers!

Duckworth Family Farm: Blueberry season is almost here! This CCOF Certified Organic Sebastopol farm will be opening sometime in mid-June; they're just waiting for the berries to ripen. Hours will be Saturdays 8 am to 1 pm. Sundays are still under consideration, but if open, it will be from 9 am to noon. They are U-pick by appointment only, with a small parking fee. As always, families can bring their own picnic lunch to enjoy on the property. To find out the latest on hours and a link to their online reservation system (coming soon), visit their Facebook page. Reservations required. 2950 Canfield Road, Sebastopol.

Dry Creek Peach & Produce: Peach cobbler, peach pie, peach everything! The peaches are juicy and coming on strong at this Healdsburg farm. Check their website for their farm stand's open hours, as that'll shift depending on the yield each week. And something extra special happened for the first time in five years: a crop of cherries! You can also find them at the Healdsburg Farmers' Market on Saturdays. Call/check website before visiting. 2179 Yoakim Bridge Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-8121.

Tierra Vegetables: You know you've arrived at strawberry paradise because you'll see a giant strawberry on the big white barn at this Santa Rosa farm! Shop for the juicy, sweet, red berries direct from the farm stand, Thursdays and Fridays 10 am to 6 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays 10 am to 4 pm. You can also find Tierra at area farmers' markets (Windsor and Santa Rosa Certified/Luther Burbank Center). 651 Airport Blvd. Santa Rosa.

Bees N Bloom: June and July are the summer months when all the lavender at Bees N Blooms is blooming with bright purple radiance. There are two ways to enjoy the farm: Lavender Daze (June 5, 12, 19, and July 3, 10 am to 4 pm): Come to walk the labyrinth, say “hi” to the geese, ducks, and chickens, stroll through the arced flower rows rippling out from the labyrinth, smell the floral essences, watch the bees hard at work, take pictures of the beauty, gaze up at Taylor Mountain park, listen to the hundreds of singing birds, shop at the farm stand, and enjoy the expansive panoramic views. Bring a picnic and enjoy! Note: No U-cut. Reservations required. Click here to buy a ticket for your parking spot. • Lavender U-Cut Experience (June 26 & 27 and July 10 & 11, 10 am to 4 pm): Come on out and harvest your own lavender, breathe in the country fresh air scented with lavender, and soak in the sun and the breeze. Take advantage of fantastic photo opportunities in the lavender field. Reservations required. Click here to buy a ticket for your parking spot. 3883 Petaluma Hill Road, Santa Rosa.