November 2025 Newsletter
Favorite trails to try this fall
Crisp mornings, clear skies and the crunch of leaves underfoot make fall one of the best times to explore your regional parks. With summer's heat gone, it’s a great season for taking in ridgetop views, fresh air and pops of fall color along the trails.
From the West Ridge Trail at Tolay Lake Regional Park with views of the San Francisco skyline, to the changing colors at Riverfront Regional Park, here are a few trails that stand out in autumn. Bring family along or take a solo gratitude hike — either way it's the season to get outside and explore.
Free holiday parking for veterans
Veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families are invited to park for free at all regional parks on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. A special pass isn't needed, but visitors should be ready to show proof of veteran or active-duty status. The free parking is offered with the support of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to honor the contributions of service members.
Featured events:
Sign up for Thanksgiving Camp
Registration is open now for our two-day kids camp during Thanksgiving week, Nov. 24 and 25, at Spring Lake Regional Park's Environmental Discovery Center. Campers ages 7-11 can create nature-inspired arts and crafts, enjoy indoor games and hike the trails. Camp runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Cost is $170 (Sonoma County residents); $172 (out of county).
Rainbow Hike: Tide pool Exploration
On Monday, Nov. 17, 2-4:30 p.m., intergenerational LGBTQIA2S+ people are invited to explore one of the most biodiverse coastlines in the nation — ours! Discover what creatures live in the rocky and wild environment of Pinnacle Gulch beach. Free; registration required.
New courts at your service
West County tennis and pickleball players in now have a refreshed place to play at the Occidental Community Center. The sport courts were resurfaced this summer to include one tennis court and four dedicated pickleball courts. The lighted courts are open daily for first-come, first-served play, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
The project was made possible by community-led fundraising, support from the Sonoma County Parks Foundation and Parks for All – Measure M funding.
Wondering how else Parks for All – Measure M supports your parks?
Give the gift of parks this holiday season
Support the health and happiness of family and friends this holiday season with Regional Parks gift memberships. When you give a parks membership, you give a year of free parking at 60 parks, a night of free camping and endless opportunities to get outside in 2026.
Gift memberships come in the form of a voucher that recipients redeem when they're ready to begin their membership. Memberships are available at Oliver’s Markets, REI Santa Rosa, Sebastopol Hardware, Garrett Ace Hardware in Healdsburg and Windsor, Sports Basement in Santa Rosa, Copperfield's Books in Petaluma and other locations.
Parks gifts for all
Looking for meaningful holiday gifts? Visit the Sonoma County Parks Foundation's online gift shop featuring park-inspired apparel, accessories and eco-friendly gifts — perfect for the parks supporters, nature lovers and outdoor adventurers on your list. Every purchase supports the trails, beaches and open spaces you love.
Double your impact with the Putnam Park Challenge
The Sonoma County Parks Foundation invites you to help make future improvements at Helen Putnam Regional Park go even further with the Putnam Park Challenge Grant, where every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $80,000. Your gift will support specific projects at the park, such as grazing and vegetation management, native wildflowers, Youth Crew projects and trail connections to future park expansions.
Upcoming holiday closures
Our Santa Rosa office will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day and Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 and 28, for Thanksgiving. All parks will remain open.
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