New trail, parking and more at Helen Putnam
Helen Putnam Regional Park’s many fans have more to celebrate with the opening of a new entrance and trail on the north side of this Petaluma park. On Windsor Drive, a much-anticipated 31-space parking lot leads to the new West Wind Trail, which connects visitors conveniently to the park interior (see below for more on the new trail).
The lot and trail are the latest of several improvements to this 40-year-old park, made possible by community donations. On the park’s southern slope, Panorama Trail has been reconfigured into two improved routes: one a meandering traverse of the hillside, the other a 121-step staircase, both leading to the same fabulous view. As this video shows, improvements also include new trail signs, equestrian parking, native plants and more throughout Helen Putnam’s 256 acres.
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Featured trail: West Wind's northern exposure
The newly minted West Wind Trail, which winds its way up the northern slope of Helen Putnam Regional Park in Petaluma, is all about beauty and accessibility. Designed as a multi-use trail for all fitness levels, West Wind is an ideal access point for park-goers of every stripe.
Find the trailhead at the park's new parking lot on Windsor Drive. From there, West Wind climbs a grassy hillside, offering room and visibility so hikers, bikers and horseback riders can share the trail safely. As the slope steepens, switchbacks keep the going easy while providing expansive views of Petaluma Valley to the north.
After less than a mile, diving into tree cover of oak and bay, West Wind Trail reaches a crossroads to join up with Pomo and Filaree trails. From there, the sky's the limit. Filaree Trail heads north and east for half a mile to Overlook Point. Pomo Trail heads to the southeast toward Wildflower Junction, and to the southwest towards Hollow Oak Junction and Panorama Trail. Combinations of looped or in-and-out hikes abound, as do the hares, lizards, hawks, foxes and other wildlife calling these oak woodlands home. Trail notes: All of Helen Putnam’s 6 miles of trails are open to foot, wheel, hoof and paw (dogs on leash). Parking is $7 or free to parks members.
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Hike for wellness in the New Year
Happy New Year! Did you make a fitness resolution for 2022? If so, we've got you covered with a variety of outdoor destinations and dozens of trails (of all difficulty levels) to choose from. For those who prefer being outdoors with others, we also offer an ever-growing list of guided outings and activities.
At just $69 for a general yearly membership, hiking or biking in Sonoma County parks is much cheaper than going to a gym — and in our opinion, much more enjoyable too. We hope to see you on the trail in '22.
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Join us this MLK Day at Andy's Unity Park
Martin Luther King, Jr. called upon Americans to improve our communities by volunteering time for good works. We take this calling seriously, and host a Day of Service every year on MLK Day. This year’s MLK Day of Service is Monday, Jan. 17 at Andy’s Unity Park in Santa Rosa, where volunteers will give back by working on paths and other landscape projects to keep the park looking great. Please join us for this enriching community event!
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Birding is the word at Doran Regional Park
Now is a great time for birdwatching in Sonoma County, and our Jan. 8 Birding by Boat event at Doran Regional Park offers a special chance to see some of our parks’ amazing avians from a kayak. All birding and paddling levels are welcome. The session includes a brief kayaking demonstration as well as kayak equipment and binoculars to borrow.
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Critter Cam: Lil' badger
American badgers like this one are champion burrowers. They’re also solitary, nocturnal, and listed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as a species of special concern. So footage like this, taken by a wildlife camera at our new Wright Hill parkland, is always a welcome treat.
For a daytime viewing of Wright Hill on the Sonoma Coast, please keep an eye out for our next Wright Hill park preview days, coming soon.
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Hurray for our newest Junior Ranger!
Congratulations to Sebastian on becoming a badged Junior Ranger! Over the past several months, he completed a series of courses in skill building, nature exploration, and community service. He received his badge from Ranger Ryan (left) and Ranger Melanie (right) during a December ceremony at Ragle Ranch Regional Park. Sebastian, 9, lives in Cotati and is a student at Loma Vista Immersion Academy in Petaluma. (Note to parents: Stay turned for our next Junior Ranger series coming up this spring.)
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Choose your adventure
Ring in the New Year on the Coastal Prairie Trail, a mellow, 1.1-mile bike and pedestrian trail near Bodega Bay that's ideal for viewing birds and wildlife. The trail also passes by the 18-foot Children's Bell Tower, a resonant work of art and beautiful place for reflection. For Spanish-speakers, our Nuestros Parques guided hike series comes to the Coastal Prairie Trail on Jan. 8.
Another great guided hike series, Eco Access Hikes, comes to Sonoma Valley Regional Park on Jan. 23. This hike is designed to make the outdoors more accessible to people of all abilities and ages. Registration is free for both events; don’t forget your picnic lunch!
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Sonoma County Regional Parks
(707) 565-2041
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