In Sonoma County, fall brings colorful trees and vineyards, the hope for rain, and eventually saying goodbye to the intense summer heat. It's a great time of year to get out from under the shady trees and explore some sunny trails that offer sweeping views of the changing landscape. | | | |
Have you ever seen or heard a coyote? Its scientific name – canis latrans – translates to "barking dog,” a nod to the many and varied vocalizations it can produce. Coyotes are skilled and wily hunters that play an important role in the ecosystem, and these clever "song dogs" live all across Sonoma County, and are often spotted on wildlife cameras in the parks. | | | |
Coyote America
Read with us! The next Wild Words Book Club meets (virtually) on Friday, Nov. 3, to discuss "Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History" by Dan Flores.The book is a comprehensive, 5-million-year biography chronicling the struggles, successes and lore surrounding this extraordinary animal. Registration required.
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Where sunshine meets serotonin | Elevate your mood, burn calories and let the fresh air fuel your wellness journey during one of our new outdoor fitness classes, every Saturday in October at Ragle Ranch Regional Park. During Healthy Hustle Circuit Training (9-10 a.m.), get your heart pumping with a 12-station circuit lead by a certified group fitness instructor or enjoy the stress-relieving and strength-building benefits of yoga at Asanas Outside Yoga (10:30-11:30 a.m.) Cost: $10-$17. Sign up for one or all! | |
You might notice something new the next time you visit Spring Lake Regional Park! Newly designed signs are among the many ways we're upgrading this popular Santa Rosa park for its 50th birthday this year. We’ve also improved trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, restroom buildings and more. Funding for the signs was provided by the Saba Foundation and the local Parks for All – Measure M revenue. Special thanks to our maintenance crew (pictured here) for getting these beautiful signs in the ground and to the Sonoma County Parks Foundation for its 50th fundraising. | |
Solar-powered electric vehicle chargers are now live at Ragle Ranch Regional Park and North Sonoma Mountain and Taylor Mountain regional parks and preserves. The chargers are free (parking fees apply), handle two cars at once and suit any electric vehicle. Sonoma County bought the chargers as part of a larger initiative to swap its gas engine vehicles for an electric fleet by 2030. | |
'Shell' we have a picnic by the seashore? | |
Hosting a large group gathering? Take it outside and enjoy the view! The Miwok group picnic area at Doran Regional Park is now open for day-use reservations, accommodating up to 50 people for family gatherings, weddings, and more. Reservations are required and can be made up to 12 months in advance. | |
Veterans, active duty get free holiday parking | |
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In honor of Veterans Day – as a token of appreciation to all those who serve – military members, veterans and their families can get free parking at all Sonoma County Regional Parks, including Doran Regional Park (pictured above), from Friday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 12.
Passes must be picked up in advance with the proper military/veteran identification at our Santa Rosa office or the county's Veterans Services Office. They are also available at Doran Beach from Oct. 15 through the holiday weekend.
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Park Previews: Mark West
Join us on Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., to explore the rugged beauty of Mark West Creek Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. Acquired by Sonoma County Ag + Open Space and transferred to Regional Parks for parkland, the nearly 1,200 acres are not yet open to the public, but you can hike the property on preview days. Staff and volunteers will be on site to answer questions. Free. Registration required.
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Wilderness First Aid
Whether you're a seasoned outdoors person or just starting to hit the trails, outdoor survival skills are important to have! On Friday, Oct. 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m., join us for an Advanced Wilderness First Aid class at Spring Lake Regional Park. Cost: $15-17. Registration required.
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Choose your own adventure | |
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