Regional Parks, Partners Host March 30 Tolay Lake Dedication

The public is invited to celebrate the dedication of Tolay Lake Regional Park from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019. The free event will feature speakers, guided hikes, cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, food and music, and is hosted by Sonoma County Regional Parks, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Sonoma Land Trust, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space and Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation.

The 3,400-acre park southeast of Petaluma opened daily in October 2018, immediately after its master plan was approved. The dedication will commemorate that milestone and highlight the park's unique history and landscapes. County and tribal officials will kick off the event with comments and recognitions from 11 a.m. to noon and will invite the public to enjoy an afternoon of activities:  

• Noon - Picnic lunch provided by Graton Rancheria  
• Noon – 3 p.m. – Cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, birding station and partner displays  
• 1 p.m. - Tolay Creek ecology hike with Sonoma Land Trust  
• 1:30 p.m. - Family farm activities with Regional Parks  
• 2 p.m. - Wildflower walk with Regional Parks

Tolay Lake is within the traditional territory of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and the largest of Sonoma County’s regional parks. The park currently offers more than 11 miles of multi-use trails crossing grasslands and ridges with views of San Pablo Bay and beyond. The park's master plan calls for the eventual addition of 18 miles of trails, hike-in camp sites, a visitor center and bunkhouse, outdoor classrooms, equestrian amenities, and picnic areas. The plan also recommends the restoration of the seasonal Tolay Lake - a sacred place stewarded by Coast Miwok people since time immemorial - the interpretation of cultural and natural histories, and continued ranching and livestock grazing.

Tolay Lake Regional Park is at 5869 Cannon Lake, off of Lakeville Highway. Parking is free, and carpooling is encouraged. The event will take place rain or shine.

About Sonoma County Regional Parks

• Sonoma County Regional Parks includes 56 parks, beaches, and trails. Regional Parks’ mission is to create healthy communities and contribute to the county’s economic vitality by acquiring, developing, managing, maintaining parks. Regional Parks preserves natural and cultural resources and offers opportunities for recreation and education that enhance the quality of life and well-being of residents and visitors.

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