Weekend hikes in Sonoma Valley

Half-a-month of hiking in our first February outdoor roundup|

Note: The Tree Pruning Workshop originally scheduled for Jan. 21 will take place this Saturday, Feb. 4, according to the Sonoma Ecology Center. Paul Kolling of Nana Mae’s Organics will demonstrate the best techniques for winter pruning of fruit-bearing trees, 10 a.m. to noon at the Sonoma Garden Park. Contact Jane Nakasako, 996-0712, ext. 107.

Saturday, Feb. 4: Sugarloaf Habitat Hike

Join Sugarloaf State Park Docent Jim Moir on a hike through a redwood forest to explore the flora and fauna of this habitat during a two-mile hike along the Pony Gate and Canyon trails. Moderate hike with 400 feet of elevation gain; bring a snack for the stop at the waterfall. Meet at the Visitors Center at 10 a.m. Hike is $10, $5 for students and docents; parking fees still apply. Hot chocolate or tea after the hike, end time about 12:30 p.m. brownpapertickets.com/event/2811192

Feb. 4: Bouverie Preserve Nature Walk

The first of four guided nature walks this spring at Bouverie Nature Preserve in Glen Ellen. These half-day walks pair visitors with a trained volunteer to explore the mixed evergreen forest, flower-carpeted oak woodland and rugged chaparral of the preserve. Guided nature walks begin at 9:30 a.m., end at 1:30 p.m., and range from two to five miles. Visitors of all ages are welcome, but should be able to hike the full distance and remain on the trail for four hours. Fees are $20 nonmember, $15 member. Free for accompanied children under 18. See egret.org/visit_bouverie for information or email rsvp@egret.org.

Feb. 4: Vallejo Home Nature Hike

Join this casual hike through portions of Sonoma-Petaluma State Park in Sonoma and on the Montini Trial. It’s a one-mile, slow-paced hike with minor elevations changes. Sturdy shoes and water recommended; it’s for all ages, free of charge. Start time is 11 a.m. at the Vallejo Home parking lot, 363 Third St. W.

Friday, Feb. 10: Full Moon Hike at Sugarloaf

Bring a flashlight and be ready to explore Sugarloaf Ridge State Park at dusk with Tony Passantino of the Sonoma Ecology Center. This moderate-to-strenuous route will begin at the White Barn at 4:30 p.m., and head through Meadow and Vista trails, where hikers will witness moonrise rise over the Mayacamas, and the setting sun over Sonoma Valley, before returning via Lower Bald Mountain Trail and arriving back at about 7 p.m. Cost is $10 general, $5 for students; free for under 18 or park volunteer. Parking fees additional, reservations at brownpapertickets.com/event/2844786

Sunday, Feb. 12: Seasonal Marshlands of Sonoma

Meet near the Bike Path near the Vallejo Home at noon (look for the green State Parks all-terrain vehicle with flag) for a three-hour exploration of the open space of Sonoma State Park, with Park Interpreter Dave Duplantier. Learn about the various plants and aquatic life that exists in the pond areas. Rain boots or water-proof shoes highly recommended. Free. This hike repeats on Saturday, ?Feb. 25.

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