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July 2025 Newsletter

 A scenic view of rolling hills, a winding river, and distant ocean under a clear sky.

Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Preserve quadruples in size

Big news in West County! Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve has grown by more than 1,500 acres to become one of our largest parks. This expansion, through a land donation from Save the Redwoods League, was decades in the making and supported by Sonoma County Ag + Open Space, Sonoma Land Trust and other partners. It's a critical link in connecting over 22,000 acres of protected lands from the Russian River to the Sonoma Coast and offers new opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, habitat restoration and wildfire-resilient forest management. The new parkland is open for interim public access with limited amenities while we plan for its future development.


A high-angle view Santa Rosa nestled in a valley, surrounded by hills and trees.

Discover new trails at Taylor Mountain

We're thrilled to announce the opening of 8 miles of new trails on the northeast side of Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. This marks the completion of Sonoma County's largest trail construction project in over a decade. These routes are now fully available to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, and reveal a whole new side of the park, with shaded creeks, oak woodlands and sweeping views into Santa Rosa, Bennett Valley and beyond. Here are three itineraries that show off the range of Taylor’s newest trails, whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a solid workout with a view, or a more challenging multi-hour adventure.

A group of people hiking up a hill overlooking a city at sunset, with a play button icon overlaid.

Taylot Mountain's story – the making of a park

Ever wonder what it takes to transform open land into a beloved regional park? Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve is a prime example of that journey. Shaped by years of vital partnerships and dedicated planning, this latest trail expansion is a milestone in the park's development and a testament to the community's commitment to outdoor recreation, supported by initiatives such as the local Parks For All – Measure M sales tax. Watch this video to learn more about the inspiring collaborations and long-term vision that created this favorite destination.


A group of people enjoying a picnic on a hill overlooking the coast and ocean.

Carrington Coast Ranch public survey open

Let us know what you think: Take our survey and tell us what you'd like to see at Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, a future coastal park. We're seeking input on four draft plans for the park's trail routes, camping options and more.


An overhead shot of a person swimming at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach next to a buoy line.

Summer swim spots

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. 

The summer parking fee at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Cloverdale River Park, Del Rio Woods Regional Park, Riverfront Regional Park, Steelhead, and Sunset beaches is $12, returning to $8 after Sept. 7. Parking is free for Sonoma County Regional Parks members

Take a dip at the Spring Lake lagoon

Spring Lake's swimming lagoon is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Swimming is free, lifeguards are on duty and free loaner life jackets are available. The Spring Lake Café is open; check the website for hours.

You can also challenge yourself on the Water Park obstacle course, rent kayaks and paddleboards on Spring Lake or visit the Environmental Discovery Center.

Children wearing life vests playing on an inflatable water park obstacle course, with the text "Water Park Tickets" overlaid.
Two people smiling in a yellow kayak, one holding a yellow paddle, with the text "Boat & SUP Rentals" overlaid.
A child and an adult walking on a sun-dappled trail through trees, with the text "Environmental Discovery Center" overlaid.

 A man in a hat and sunglasses smiles and raises his fist, standing in front of a white shuttle bus with a "River Shuttle" sign. A play button icon is overlaid on the image.

Ride the River Shuttle

If you heading to Steelhead or Sunset river beaches, avoid full parking lots by riding the Regional Parks River Shuttle. The shuttle runs from El Molino High School in Forestville to Steelhead and Sunset beaches on weekends and holidays. All-day tickets are only $5, and kids and teens 18 and younger ride free.

     


A collage of five dog portraits: a happy pug, a small long-haired dog, a muscular pit bull, two dogs napping, and a close-up of a brown dog by a lake.

Who's a Top Dog?

The Sonoma County Park Foundation's "Top Dog" Photo Contest is on now! Snap your best dog pic and enter before July 31 for a chance to win prizes, get featured in the Park Foundation's 2026 Top Dog calendar, and support your favorite regional parks in the process. This contest is open to everyone, and all votes and calendar preorders help fund Regional Park trail improvements, youth programs and climate action.


A book cover for "Jimmy Bluefeather: A Novel" with a snowy mountain and forest background, featuring a "Winner National Outdoor Book Award" seal.

Wild Words Book Club

Join us at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 11, as we meet virtually to discuss “Jimmy Bluefeather” by Kim Heacox. When James ruins his leg in a logging accident and tells his grandpa that he has nothing left to live for, Old Keb springs into action. They embark on a canoe journey in the wilds of Alaska. Free; registration required.

 A sandy path winding through coastal dunes covered in green and red ice plant, leading to a sunny beach and ocean.

Stewardship day at Doran

Be a steward of nature and help preserve our parks. On Thursday, July 24, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join our Natural Resources team and get your hands dirty by removing invasive plants, protecting young plants and installing fences. Meet at the Doran Boardwalk. Free; registration required.


Choose your own adventure

 A close-up, low-angle shot of a dog's nose and snout with blurry green background, and the text "Dog Friendly" overlaid.
A woman and a child looking through binoculars in a natural setting, with the text "Kids & Family" overlaid.
 A senior hiker with a backpack and walking sticks stands next to a large, moss-covered tree, with the text "Seniors" overlaid.

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Sonoma County Regional Parks
400 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 100, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-2041
ParksMarketing@Sonoma-County.org

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