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March 2024 Newsletter

Wildflowers

Blue-eyed and bushy tailed

It’s officially wildflower season in Sonoma County, which means it’s time to hit the trails to look for baby blue eyes, California poppies, Henderson's shooting stars and more. Kickstart your floral foray by downloading our free Sonoma County Wildflower Guide at SoCoParks.org/Wildflowers.

Want to know more? Join us on one of our many guided spring hikes. Check SoCoParks.org/Calendar for info and registration.

View from Chanslor Ranch

Visit Chanslor Ranch on the Sonoma coast

Chanslor Ranch – a longtime guest ranch in the hills above Highway 1 near Bodega Bay – is now the county’s newest regional park and preserve. Sonoma County Ag + Open Space purchased the 378 acre property in late 2023 and we are managing it for them until we take ownership later this year. Learn how you can visit now and enjoy hiking, horseback riding, birding, picnicking and stunning coastal views.

Group picnic area at Spring Lake

Easy, breezy online booking

Planning a group picnic or gathering in a regional park? Our group picnic sites, for gatherings of 25-150 people, are now just a click away with a new online reservation system. Conveniently book your next event in the great outdoors by checking availability, viewing site capacities and securing your spot online. Book your spring or summer events now!

For those requiring ADA accessible campsites, we've also made the booking process smoother and easier. These sites, designed for visitors with disabilities, can now be reserved online. To secure an ADA campsite, please ensure a member of your party meets the state's disability guidelines.

Water safety on the Russian River

We're hiring lifeguards

We’re hiring seasonal open water lifeguards for Regional Park beaches! Work at parks like Spring Lake Regional Park and Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach. Must be 16 years old by June 10, complete a swim test and attend a paid 10-day Lifeguard Academy in early summer. Starting at $23.41 an hour. Apply now at SoCoParks.org/Lifeguard.

Photo contest

Spring photo contest supports parks

Cultivate your creativity and celebrate the beauty of the Regional Parks by participating in the Leap into Parks Photo Contest hosted by the Sonoma County Parks Foundation. For just a $10 entry fee, you'll not only compete for fantastic prizes but also support essential park projects, from youth programs to trail maintenance and climate action initiatives. Every vote for your photo, at $1 each, contributes directly to these causes, making each entry and vote a step towards preserving the beauty and health of your regional parks.

The top three winners will be determined by popular vote so be sure to rally friends and family to vote for their favorites. The submission and voting period ends April 11 at 5 p.m., when the top three photos will be announced. Grand prizes include gift certificates, a private wine class, Regional Parks memberships and more. In addition, the first 100 entrants receive a coupon for free prints courtesy of Shutterbug Camera Shops, and Midway through the contest, on Thursday, March 25 at 5 p.m., the top 10 entries will each receive a set of four beautiful coasters featuring images of Regional Parks wildlife. Whether you're a pro or an amateur, this contest is your chance to showcase your love for the outdoors and make an impact.

Winners are determined by popular vote, so be sure to rally friends and family to vote for their favorites. The submission and voting period ends April 11 at 5 p.m., when the top three photos will be announced.

Visit www.gogophotocontest.com/sonomacountyparksfoundation to submit your entries.

Summer camp

Summer camp registration open now

Summer is around the corner, so explore our day camps for kids and teens, themed around outdoor activities, nature experiences and lifesaving and water safety skills. For more information and to register, go to SoCoParks.org/SummerCamp. Camperships, funded by the Parks Foundation, may be available to offset costs for those who qualify.

Bert Whitaker on SoCoChat Podcast

Trail tails

Meet Bert Whitaker, director of Sonoma County Regional Parks, as he takes us on a stroll through your growing parks system in a new episode of Sonoma County’s SoCo Chat podcast. Learn about summertime activities, new parkland, how parks are funded and more. Watch the video on YouTube or stream the audio wherever you get your podcasts.

Featured events

	Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission The five-person advisory commission meets Wednesday, March 13, from 5-7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. Agenda and meeting materials are posted 72 hours in advance.
	Healthy Hustle Join us for an hour of fitness at Spring Lake on Saturday, March 16, 9-10 a.m. This outdoor, mixed-level, 12-station circuit is led by a certified group fitness instructor. Cost is $10 for county residents or $12 for out-of-county attendees. Registration required. Check the calendar for more dates.
	Learn Leave No Trace On April 2, 6-7:30 p.m., explore Mark West Creek Regional Park and Preserve and learn how to minimize your impact in the outdoors through the concepts of Leave No Trace and Outdoor Ethics. Free; registration required.
	Spring Lake read-aloud Hey, kids! Join us at Spring Lake's Environmental Discovery Center on the last Thursday of each month for a 30-minute story time with parks staff (3:30-4 p.m.) While at the EDC, learn how a rain drop rides through a storm drain to the ocean. Free.