Telescopes, talons and trails in Sonoma Valley outdoors

Two ‘Twilight Hikes' at Bouverie set the stage for a month of outdoor activities in the Sonoma Valley.|

June 2 and June 30: Experience the beauty and rich natural history of the 535-acre Bouverie Preserve on two “Twilight Hikes” this month, as dusk arrives and the animals start to appear. Participants are divided into small groups and paired with a trained Bouverie volunteer to explore the mixed evergreen forest, flower-carpeted oak woodland and rugged chaparral. Twilight hikes are on select Fridays throughout spring and fall, and range from two to five miles. Hikes are from 6 to 8:30 p.m.; visitors of all ages are welcome although minors (those under the age of 18) must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. Cost is $20 non-member, $15 member or student, and free for children under age 18. Contact (415) 868.9244, ext. 110.

Saturday, June 3: There's a National Trails Day hike at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, to help fix the trails after this record-setting rainy season. Meet at 9 a.m. at the White Barn at the end of Adobe Canyon Road (if someone's at the entry booth, tell them you are a volunteer for trail work). The Trails Council and Team Sugarloaf will provide parking passes, tools, and Clif bars with beverages and snacks afterward. Bring gloves, a hat and water that you can take with you while working, and wear long pants, boots or hiking shoes and sunscreen. If you plan to come or have any questions, contact Ken Wells, 538-9389, or email kenwells@sonic.net.

Friday, June 9: There is a Full Moon Hike at Sugarloaf, from 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. on Friday night. Bring a flashlight and a sense of wonder. Meet at the White Barn at 6:15 with a prompt departure at 6:30 to head up to Bald Mountain to see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley. Moonrise and sunset are about 8:30 pm. This strenuous hike will cover 6.5 miles with more than 1500-feet of vertical ascent with some steep sections. Dress in layers as it can get cool at the summit. $10 for adults, purchase tickets at brownpapertickets.com/event/2954790.

Saturday, June 10: “Talons and Trails” is a program for kids of all ages at Jack London State Historic Park to explore the unique body structures and behaviors that help birds survive and thrive in the wild. Start by meeting real raptors (birds of prey) up close at a presentation from the experts at the Santa Rosa Bird Rescue Center. Afterwards, take a walk to the Wolf House Ruins, study birds in the forest and play learning games. Raptor presentation begins at 10 a.m. and the hike immediately follows. Meet at the House of Happy Walls Museum; park entry fee of $10 per vehicle is due at gate but participation in events is free.

June 10: The Sugar Shuttle is running this Saturday to serve through-hikers between North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Jack London State Park, in either direction. The one-way hike should take 4 to 5 hours; the distance is about 9 miles with nearly 2,000 feet of climbing so bring sunscreen and lots of water.

Park your car at one end of the trail and ride the shuttle to the other to begin your hike, which will take you back to your car. First shuttle pick-up is at 8 a.m. at the North Sonoma trailhead, then it alternates every half-hour with Jack London winery lot pickups until 10:30 a.m. No charge for the ride, but suggested donation is $10. Reserve at brownpapertickets.com/event/2934483.

Saturdays, June 17 and June 24: Late night “Star Parties” held in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Star Parties begin at 8 p.m. and include the opportunity to view distant celestial objects through three different telescopes at the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Cost is $3 plus parking ($7 per vehicle). Visit www.rfo.org or call 833-5712 for more information.

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