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Hike, picnic at Tolay

The public is invited to join an outing and picnic, led by Sonoma Ecology Center naturalists, to Tolay Lake Regional Park, on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  Sonoma County Regional Parks will conduct an optional hour long orientation for those interested in acquiring a Day Use Permit for the Park from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. just prior to the outing.  

  Tolay Lake Regional Park is a place of many cultures. It has been famous for centuries. For thousands of years, it has been a major religious site for Native Americans. For a few decades, it was a famous pumpkin patch visited by thousands of families every autumn. Today it is renowned as a place for seeing nature and enjoying an outing on the boundary between the hills and the bay. Come see where these histories are layered, and learn about this fascinating place with Ecology Center Biologist Caitlin Cornwall.  

  Located at the intersection of Sonoma Valley with the Baylands of San Francisco Bay, Tolay Lake Regional Park – formerly the Cardoza Ranch – was purchased and permanently protected in 2005 by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and Sonoma County Regional Parks. The park consists of 1,769 acres of farm and grasslands, ridges, a seasonal freshwater lake, ponds, wetlands and many other natural resources. The park contains a wealth of cultural and historical resources, with human activity on the property known to span more than 8,000 years.  

  The walking route for this outing is on dirt farm roads and includes one large hill; so hikers must be in moderately good physical condition.

  Reservations are required to attend this outing by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. To register for the outing, or for additional information, contact Jessica Glatt at 996-0712, ext. 110, or email jessica@sonomaecologycenter.org.

  Registration is not required for the Day Use Permit orientation. The Day Use Permit comes with maps, park rules and regulations and gate access cards. Permit holders may access the park for a variety of activities. For more information contact Sonoma County Regional Parks at 565-2041 or www.sonomacountyparks.org.

This outing is made available by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and Sonoma Ecology Center.