September 2025 Newsletter
Step into fall
A new season is here, and so is our new lineup of guided outings and events! September is an ideal time to explore your regional parks: Autumn light brings a fresh perspective to familiar places, trails are quieter without summer crowds and the coastal skies can be crystal clear. From dog-friendly hikes and bilingual arts and crafts to volunteer opportunities on land and water, there's an adventure for everyone. Sign up early to reserve your spot!
Make a splash at Water Bark!
Get your tickets to Spring Lake's most famous doggie destination: Water Bark! This popular annual event opens the fenced-in swimming lagoon for dogs to romp and splash off-leash and runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through September (except Sept. 13).
Water Bark is a fundraiser for the Sonoma County Parks Foundation, and proceeds benefit our more than 50 dog-friendly parks and trails.
Tickets are $10 for members; $15 for non-members. Parking for Water Bark is free for Regional Parks members; non-members will need to pay the day-use parking fee.
Lend a hand on Coastal Cleanup Day
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 20, for California Coastal Cleanup Day, the state's largest annual volunteer event to protect ocean and inland waterways. We're leading a cleanup at Maxwell Farms Regional Park in Sonoma Valley, 9 a.m. to noon, to keep trash from reaching Sonoma Creek and San Pablo Bay. All ages welcome, we provide gloves, grabbers and buckets. Free; registration required.
Prefer the coast? You can join Coastwalk California’s cleanup at Doran Regional Park or find another site near you.
Thru-hike with the Sugar Shuttle
Challenge yourself to a 7.5-mile one-way trek over Hood Mountain from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (or vice versa), and use the Sugar Shuttle to avoid parking a car at both parks. Operated by Team Sugarloaf, the free, seasonal shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 8 to 10:55 a.m. On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-5, it runs between Sugarloaf and Hood Mountain’s Los Alamos Road entrance.
The hike takes about four to five hours and includes 2,500 feet of elevation gain. Reserve your spot for $10 (refunded on the day of the ride), as there is only space for five riders per shuttle.
Taylor-made views
Join us to explore new trails and new views at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve on Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. We’ll learn about the area's fascinating history as we ascend from shady Colgan Creek to sweeping views of the Santa Rosa plain. Costs: $5 (Sonoma County residents); $7 (out of county); Registration required.
Save the date for Zero Waste Week
Mark your calendars for Friday, Oct. 11, 12-2 p.m., for a Leave No Trace kayak-based cleanup at Spring Lake Regional Park — part of North Bay Zero Waste Week, a countywide initiative to raise awareness about reducing waste and protecting the environment. We'll provide the kayaks, tools, gloves and refreshments. Free; space is limited, so register now.
From repair fairs to composting workshops, this is just one of dozens of Zero Waste Week events happening across Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties.
Sign up early 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, will 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); Registration required.
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