Fluttering waves of painted lady butterflies have been passing through Sonoma County’s parks this spring, dancing north in the millions, thanks to the bountiful rains in Southern California this year. But the black and orange ladies aren’t the only butterflies on the wing. To go butterfly spotting with a new appreciation, check what we’re learning about this insect's colors, designs and crazy-good navigation skills.
For outdoor enthusiasts, one of the best things about living in Sonoma County is the moderate weather. Except for days with heavy rains, hiking here can be a year-round pleasure. From the Sonoma Valley to Sonoma Coast, here are some of Regional Parks favorite winter hikes.
Floating down the Russian River is one of Sonoma County's most popular summer activities. But a tubing adventure can go flat in no time if you don't plan ahead. Here are Sonoma County Regional Parks' do's and don'ts for a successful float trip, including our only recommended route: Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach in Forestville.
Have you ever stopped to think about how to improve Healdsburg's Veterans Memorial Beach? Sonoma County Regional Parks is preparing an overarching plan to redevelop this popular Russian River park and wants to hear what you like about the park or what you'd like to see changed.
If you haven’t been to Hood Mountain Regional Park in a while, now is the time to go. The Pythian Road entrance of the 1,750-acre preserve on the edge of the Sonoma Valley recently reopened for the first time since the October 2017 wildfire, and its landscape offers a unique look at the ferocity and resiliency of nature. Hood Mountain enthusiasts will be relieved to see that their beloved getaway is not ruined, but regenerating – undergoing a “renovation” of sorts.
Nature can be formidable and challenging, as the Sonoma County wildfires reminded us. But nature also can be a resource for health and healing. More and more, science bears that out. Reflecting on that evidence, Sonoma County Regional Parks is launching Nature Heals, free monthly sessions that support community wellness through yoga, art, poetry, and meditation in the parks.
Welcome to the official Regional Parks blog, where we bring you regular articles about Sonoma County's parks, beaches, trails, wildlife, and outdoor adventures.