TranslateJuly 2024 Newsletter
Walking with giants: Redwoods in regional parks
Once upon a time, an unusual type of towering tree from the age of dinosaurs grew in groves around the globe, thanks to an amazing set of survival abilities. Gradually, they disappeared or were cut down, but some of the last of their kind are now huddled into a narrow strip along the California coast.
Protected in parks around Sonoma County, groves of coast redwoods offer cool summer shade, a touch of awe and wonder and a chance to contemplate beings who can live 1,000 years or reach a height of 200 to 300 feet. Here are locations where you can spend time with these giants in Sonoma County’s Regional Parks. And before you go, here are some interesting features to know about these magnificent creatures.
Get your swim on
Head to Healdsburg
The swimming beach on the Russian River at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach is open for the summer! The seasonal dam is up, swim areas are clearly marked and lifeguards are on duty daily through Labor Day. Free loaner life jackets are also available. Bring a picnic and come wade, swim or paddle.
Summer day-use parking at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Cloverdale River Park, Del Rio Woods Regional Park, Riverfront Regional Park, Steelhead, and Sunset river beaches is $10 for the peak season and returns to $7 after Sept. 2, Labor Day. Parking is free for Sonoma County Regional Parks members.
Take a dip at the Spring Lake lagoon
Spring Lake's swimming lagoon is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Swimming is free, lifeguards are on duty and free loaner life jackets are available. Check out the new Spring Lake Café for a refreshment or a bite to eat while you're there! Hours are 12-6 p.m. Wed.-Thurs. and 12-7 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
You can also challenge yourself on the Water Park obstacle course, rent kayaks and paddleboards on Spring Lake or visit the Environmental Discovery Center.
Ride the River Shuttle
If you're headed to the Russian River, the Regional Parks River Shuttle is a great alternative to taking a car; it runs on weekends between the El Molino High School campus and Steelhead and Sunset beaches every 30 minutes, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. An all-day ticket is $5; kids under 18 ride for free. You can bring your tube to inflate at Steelhead or rent one at the beach. Did you know you can also take a connector shuttle from the SMART Train to Steelhead Beach? Find out more below.
Reminder! Our free loaner life jackets are available at Del Rio Woods, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Steelhead Beach, Forestville River Access and Sunset Beach. Just grab a vest from the stand and return it when you leave. When in doubt, wear a life jacket!
Evening yoga at the lake
Unwind your day with the stress-relieving, strength-building and grounding benefits of yoga at this evening series at Spring Lake Regional Park from 6-7 p.m. on Aug. 8, 15 and 22. Designed for every body and all levels, these classes will focus on meditation exercises (dhyana) and posture sequences (asanas) through breath work (pranayama). Registration required.
Be "Bear Wise"
A few months ago, our Natural Resources wildlife team discovered some telltale signs of bear activity at Mark West Creek Regional Park and Open Space Preserve: flipped rocks and scat. Then, after surveying the wildlife cameras, the team was treated to this footage, our first confirmed sightings in the not-yet-open-to-the-public park and preserve.
Black bear numbers appear to be expanding in Sonoma County, and it’s important for all of us to be aware and preemptively remove potential food sources that could attract them. For more tips about being bear wise on the trail, visit SoCoParks.org/BearAware.
Submit your best photos of your favorite four-legged friends to the Sonoma County Parks Foundation's "Top Dog" photo contest, running now through Aug. 15.
Two winning dogs – one selected by public vote and one by a judges' panel of local photographers – will be featured as "Top Dogs" at the Spring Lake Water Bark dog swim in September. The contest is open to all, regardless of photography experience. The first 100 entries receive a coupon for a free 8" x 10" print or 10 free 4" x 6" prints courtesy of Shutterbug Camera Shops.
Featured events
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Arte en el JardinOn Tuesday, July 23, 10-11:30 a.m., enjoy this family-friendly art activity designed for children 4-8 years old, at Larson Park. Kids can explore their artistic talents and be inspired by the vibrant colors and shapes of the community garden. Se habla español. Free; registration required. |
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Winging it WednesdayJoin us for a leisurely bird walk at coastal Chanslor Ranch, Wednesday, July 31, 8:30-10:30 a.m., and find out which feathered friends call this future park home. All levels welcome; grab your binoculars or borrow a pair from us. These free monthly outings are designed for older adults to enjoy nature and each other’s company. |
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Park Preview: Calabazas CreekOn Saturday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., come explore one of our newest parklands before it opens to the public. Calabazas Creek Regional Park and Open Space Preserve in Sonoma Valley has a fascinating history and boasts beautiful vistas, creek-side treasures and a challenging hike. Park staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions and point out the land’s features, including the regrowth from the wildfires. Free; registration required. |
Choose your own adventure
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Sonoma County Regional Parks
2300 County Center Drive, Suite 120A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-2041
ParksMarketing@Sonoma-County.org
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