NEWS RELEASE

Join hike leader Bill Arenander on one of two 3 1/2-hour hikes from 10am – 1:30pm at Tolay Lake Regional Park during the Tolay Fall Festival this October.

Hike dates are:
Sunday, October 12, 2008 - RSVP by Thursday, October 9
Sunday, October 19, 2008 - RSVP by Thursday, October 16

Tolay Lake Regional Park encompasses 1,737 acres of mostly grassland, with ridgeline views of the greater San Francisco Bay region. The hike is approximately seven miles beginning with farm roads crossing the lake bed, passing the vineyard, and continuing up the east ridge for an outstanding view. Lunch will be eaten on the ridge while enjoying the raptors flying nearby. After lunch, the hike continues on uneven footing as it travels cross-country past two ponds and back to the ranch compound. This hike is not for inexperienced hikers; you must be in good physical condition.

1. Because these two hikes occur during the Tolay Fall Festival, a $5 parking fee will be charged. Parking is free to those with an Annual Park Pass. Feel free to enjoy the Festival after the hike.
2. Note: You are advised to wear sturdy boots, long sleeves and long pants on this hike. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended.
3. The tours will be moderately challenging.
4. Please, no pets.
5. Please bring adequate water, lunch, and snack food for your party, as these will not be provided.
6. A restroom will be available at the starting location of the hike.

Inclement weather will cancel the hike. A message with information regarding the current status of the hike (to go on as scheduled or not) will be recorded on the Regional Parks Special Events Hotline (707) 565-2730 the morning of the hike.
Hikes allow a limited number of participants, and reservations are mandatory. Please call the Regional Parks Special Events Hotline at (707) 565-2730 to make a reservation, and leave a message including:

1. Your name
2. Number of people in your party
3. Home address
4. Personal e-mail & phone number

After requesting the reservation, you will receive a confirmation, which will include more detailed information. Note: Hikes fill quickly. If you cannot reserve a place on your date of choice, add your name to our waitlist for notification of future hike dates. Check our website at http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_tolay.htm. For more information on the Tolay Fall Festival, call Regional Parks at (707) 565-2041.