TranslateOctober 2024 Newsletter
Improving parks, one plant at a time
Ever wondered why we plant certain things in the parks? It's not just for pretty flowers (although those are nice, too). We've teamed up with the California Native Plant Society, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation to replace non-native plants with native species. This "plant swap" helps wildlife thrive, makes trails more interesting to explore and helps us fight climate change impacts. Thanks to these partnerships and Parks For All – Measure M funding, we're making big improvements at Hood Mountain and Doran Beach. Check out our new collaboration video with NorCal Public Media (KRCB) that shows it all!.
Featured trail: Riverfront's Lake Loop
Take in the changing seasons on the Lake Loop Trail at Riverfront Regional Park near Windsor and Healdsburg. This mellow, 2-mile loop winds around Lake Benoist, offering a tranquil escape among the golden fall foliage of cottonwoods and willows. With cooler temps (finally) here, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the lake’s autumn scenery – from the trail, a kayak on the lake or a picnic spot under the redwoods.
Pond Restoration nears completion
The pond at Shiloh Ranch Regional Park in Windsor is undergoing a major transformation. This summer, crews worked to restore the habitat by fixing a spillway and restoring the channel that feeds Mark West Creek. Next up, trail sections will be rerouted and native plants added. Funding is provided by California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Parks for All – Measure M sales tax and the Sonoma County Parks Foundation. (Photo courtesy of our partners at PCI.)
Pathway for all at sports fields
A new half-mile paved path at Tom Schopflin Fields offers more recreation options at the popular Mark West community park. Perfect for walking, biking, running or warming up before a game, the path loops around the park and connects to other neighborhood paths. Whether you're there for sports or a scenic stroll, this new addition adds a new experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. Funding was provided in part by Parks For All – Measure M.
Tackling micro trash at Doran
Join us at Doran Regional Park from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Oct. 19, for a beach cleanup focusing on removing micro trash from the ocean environment. Celebrate North Bay Zero Waste Week by making a difference at this popular coastal park. We’ll provides litter grabbers, buckets, bags and gloves along with snacks and drinks. Free; registration is required.
Veterans holiday parking pass
On Veterans Day weekend, Saturday, Nov. 9, through Monday, Nov. 11, veterans, military members and their families are eligible for a special pass that waives the $7 day-use parking fee at all Sonoma County Regional Parks. Pick yours up in advance at our office, Doran Beach or the Sonoma County Veterans Services Office.
New address, updated logo
We made a big move last month: relocating our office to 400 Aviation Blvd. in north Santa Rosa. And this month, we're unveiling a refreshed logo — starting with this newsletter! We've refined the landforms, colors and shape of our longtime logo so it's easier to read and easier to use. We'll phase in the updated design over the coming months.
Help us shape park equity and accessibility
Our goal is to provide spaces that are welcoming, accessible and inclusive, so please take a moment to tells us how you use the parks. Your feedback will let us develop a framework for ensuring visitors have equal access to parks and can participate fully in park experiences. Your anonymous answers to this survey will help shape this important initiative.
Welcoming a new public safety team
We're happy to introduce the new Parks Unit! This team of five Sonoma County Sheriff's deputies, led by a sergeant, now provides the primary law enforcement response in the regional parks. The Sheriff's team has been working side-by-side with our rangers to learn more about the 60 regional parks and to build connections. We're excited about this partnership and the additional resources and support it provides for parks staff and visitors.
Featured events
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Nature Walk: Maxwell FarmsJoin us on Saturday, Oct. 19, 9:30 a.m.-noon, for a guided walk at Maxwell Farms Regional Park. Learn about the many environments and fascinating inhabitants of this Sonoma Valley park. Free; registration required. |
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Wilderness First Aid Night AdventureExpand your wilderness first aid skills during this evening adventure on Thursday, Oct. 24, 5-7 p.m., at Helen Putnam Regional Park in Petaluma. Learn to handle emergencies on the trail, with the added challenge of exploring after sunset. Cost: $15-$17. Registration required. |
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Saturday Walk in the Park: Gualala PointJoin us on Saturday, Oct. 26, 10-11:30 a.m., for a stroll from the Gualala Point Regional Park visitors center to the ocean while learning about the natural history of the wildlife and plants of this coastal park. Free; registration required. |
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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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