Email  Print

SEC naturalists to lead Calabazas hike

 

The public is invited to attend a spring hike at Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve on Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Sonoma Ecology Center naturalists for a spring exploration of the expansive Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve. The preserve, managed by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, is located between Glen Ellen and Kenwood. Known for its stunning vistas, open meadows, waterfalls and oak woodlands, Calabazas Creek provides hikers with a multitude of experiences as well as a hearty, strenuous hike.

“As we hike to the top, we are welcomed by the sweet, pungent aroma of California lilacs and breath-taking vistas. The preserve offers creek crossings and wildflowers, banana slugs and butterflies – a small place with a wealth of diversity and diverse experiences,” said naturalist and hike leader Cassandra Liu.

This is an intermediate to advanced level hike. Participants have the option to enjoy the full hike of six miles, or may opt to do a three-mile hike and return by noon. The full hike includes an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet, and all participants are required to wear appropriate footwear.

There is no charge for the outing, as it is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the Open Space District's work with a quarter-cent sales tax. Reservations are required by 5 p.m. Friday, March 29. For more information, or to register for the hike, visit the Sonoma Ecology Center website at sonomaecologycenter.org.