Special events at Sonoma’s regional parks

Sonoma County Regional Parks’ first spring-activities guide is now available and it features new hikes, outings and special events that highlight the department’s 50th anniversary. Available as a free download at sonomacountyparks.org, the guide brings together information for nearly 100 activities in March, April and May, many of them offered for the first time.

Families with young children can choose from new activities like Trails for Tots, Life Under a Log, Amphibian Amble, Story Walk, and Wildlife Tracking for Kids. Adults can enjoy activities like a field lesson in rare vernal pool botany, raptor viewing, a hike to Hood Mountain’s latest addition, a new hiking series for dog owners, an evening relaxation series, a bike-tour prep session, and sunrise and sunset hikes. The guide also includes annual favorites like spring wildflower walks, great blue heron walks at Riverfront Park, seaweed tasting at Stillwater Cove, and spring and summer camp offerings.

Events include a Dia del Nino celebration, a spring equinox outing, an Earth Day party, Castles & Kites at Doran Beach, Mother’s Day bouquet-making, a full-moon campfire and a “trail-gating” gathering co-hosted by REI.

As Regional Parks celebrates its golden anniversary throughout 2017, many of its activities incorporate a 50th theme and encourage residents and visitors to celebrate the milestone by learning more about the parks. Nearly all events are free.

The guidebook is available for viewing and downloading on the activities page at sonomacountyparks.org. Printed copies are available at Regional Parks’ Santa Rosa office at 2300 County Center Drive and at staffed entries to Spring Lake, Doran and Ragle Ranch parks. All activities are also listed by date on Regional Parks’ web calendar.