February 2024

A vista for your Valentine

Celebrate Valentine's Day by exploring the beauty of Sonoma County with someone you love. These trails – from the Sonoma Coast to the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, or along the Russian River – offer peaceful picnic spots, wildlife watching, and stunning views that will make your heart race in all the right ways. Added bonus: They're all dog-friendly, so you can share the romance with your pup, too.

Tell us what you want at Mark West Creek

Your voice matters! Please take our latest survey to prioritize the amenities you'd like to see at Mark West Creek Regional Park and Open Space preserve east of Santa Rosa. Whether you envision large picnic areas, backcountry camping or multi-use or hiking-only trails, now is your chance to help us plan for the permanent opening of this parkland.

Trail mix and spring picks

Winter's almost over! Leaf through our new lineup of spring outings; online registration is open now. From wildflower walks to family camping, wilderness first aid to Leave No Trace certification, history talks to guided boating adventures, find community and explore new paths with us this spring.

Summer camp registration opens March 1

Register for summer camps starting Friday, March 1, at SoCoParks.org/SummerCamp. Explore full-day camps for kids and teens, themed around outdoor activities and nature experiences.

Wildlife share the trails, too

According to our trail cameras, it's not always perfect 'hare-mony' when it comes to sharing parks and open spaces, but a little trail courtesy among animals goes a long way. To you humans, we ask that you please respect the trail triangle: Bicyclists yield to hikers and horses and hikers yield to horses. And always yield to those travelling uphill or using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. Trail sharing among wildlife is a little less defined, but we think everyone, whether furry or not, can agree that you should yield to a skunk with a raised tail!

Run to support the Parks Foundation

The Annadel Half Marathon, organized by Fleet Feet, returns this year on April 7 with a half marathon, 10K and 5K events at Spring Lake Regional Park and Trione-Annadel State Park. Registration fees from the 5K benefit trail building in your regional parks via the Sonoma County Parks Foundation. (Registration fees from the 10K and half marathon benefit Friends of Trione-Annadel State Park.)

Sign up before March 31 for discounted entry fees! Prior to March 31, entry for the 5K is $55, the 10K is $65, and the half marathon is $110. Registration and more info at AnnadelHalf.com.

Upcoming holiday closure

Regional Parks' main office in Santa Rosa will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19, for President's Day. All parks will remain open.

Sonoma County Regional Parks

(707) 565-2041

ParksMarketing@Sonoma-County.org

SonomaCountyParks.org

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