Hikes and more this month in the Sonoma Valley

Several of the outdoor activities this month are at one of the Sonoma County Regional Parks in the area. Parking at these parks is $7 per vehicle, or free for Regional Parks members. Go to parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov for information.

Saturdays: Weekly guided nature walks begin March 4 at Bouverie Preserve, 13935 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen. The 2- to 5-mile walks through oak and evergreen woodlands and grassland begin at 9:30 a.m. $20 for non-members. Reservations are first-come, first-served at rsvp@egret.org and may be made up to a month in advance. Call 938-4554 or visit bouverie@egret.org.

Sunday, March 5: “Seasonal Marshes” is a free exploration of the marsh and wetlands at Sonoma State Park Historic Park on the Sonoma Bike Path, near the Vallejo Home (363 3rd St West). Look for the green State Parks all-terrain vehicle with a green flag around noon near the Vallejo Home driveway. Or drop in at the Education Station to see what types of plant and aquatic life exist in the pond areas. Rain boots or water-proof shoes are suggested. Contact Joleen Ossello at 938-9547 for information.

Friday, March 10: “Trails for Tots,” a free bilingual outdoor learning program designed for children ages 3-4 and their parents or guardian, will be held at Maxwell Farms Regional Park from 10 a.m. to 11:30. Read stories, sing songs, go on a short walk, and do crafts with a nature theme. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and a snack. Parking $7 or free for Sonoma County Regional Parks members. For more information, call 565-7888.

Saturday, March 11: Check out Hood Mountain Regional Park with park volunteers Bill Chalk and Dave Meyers (aka Bill & Dave). Explore the Lawson addition and surrounding trails while learning a little history of the area on a strenuous 4-5 mile loop. The hike is free, departs at 10 a.m. sharp from the Pythian Road trailhead. Parking $7 or free for Regional Parks members. For more information, call 539-8847.

Sunday, March 12: Take a midday “Nature Hike” from 11 a.m. to noon, starting at the Vallejo Home parking lot, 363 3rd St West. Join this one mile, slow-paced hike with minor elevation change through portions of the park and on the Montini Trail. Sturdy shoes and water recommended. All ages, free of charge.

Friday, March 17: “Campfire Program” at the Sonoma Barracks Courtyard, Spain Street & First Street East, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Gather ‘round the campfire in this historic setting for a short talk, songs and, of course, a marshmallow roast! It's for all ages and free of charge, but a steady rain will cancel. Contact Joleen Ossello at 938-9547 for information.

Saturday, March 18: Join Bill & Dave and the Sonoma Ecology Center at the annual “Brunch on Bald Mountain,” a benefit to support Team Sugarloaf. Starting at 9:15, enjoy a strenuous hike to the top of Bald Mountain along the trails, or if unable to hike join a drive to the top with Team Sugarloaf partners. (This is a rare opportunity as vehicles are not normally permitted to the top of Bald Mountain.) A hearty picnic brunch and 360-degree views await at the summit before descent. Cost is $35/adult, $10/child (age 10-17), or $60 for the ride option; cost includes brunch. For more information and to purchase tickets go to brownpapertickets.com/event/2726330.

Sunday, March 19: “Raptors from the Ridges,” a free opportunity to witness the spring raptor migration and resident wildlife viewing at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park, beginning at 9 a.m. Expect up-and-down terrain on these 3- to 5-mile hikes with experienced naturalists and birding guides, Larry Broderick and Dave LaCasse. Bring lunch, water, layered clothing for the elements, binoculars and field guides, if you have them. Heavy rain cancels. Parking $7 or free for Regional Parks members. For more information, call 565-2041.

Sunday, March 19: Vernal pools are rare, and the plants that bloom in them are only visible for a short window each spring. Join Regional Parks' natural resources staff for a free outing to glimpse this unique ecosystem in bloom at Sonoma Valley Regional Park. Wear waterproof boots and layered clothing. Parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. For more information, call 565-2041.

Saturday, March 25: This month's “Star Party” begins at 8 p.m. at Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. It's a chance to peer through the three telescopes at the observatory into deep space at celestial objects near and familiar, or far and strange. Bring warm clothing as observing is done outdoors. Admission is $3, under 18 free (plus parking fee of $10, waived with an annual pass). Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at 833-6979.

Tuesday, March 28: The “Wildflower Walk” at Hood Mountain Regional Park is a two-hour hike, starting at 5:30 p.m., of 2-3 miles over steep terrain to see spring wildflowers like Diogenes' lanterns, checker lilies, scarlet fritillary and other blooms. Learn about fruits, seeds and how the next generation is dispersed. In celebration of Regional Parks' 50th anniversary, the goal is to find 50 species of wildflowers. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and a hat or sunscreen. Meet at the Pythian Road entrance. For more information, call (707) 565-3080.