Special Events

Tolay Lake Regional Park - Hikes and Orientations

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 - Hike (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and Orientation (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.)

Join a Regional Parks ranger on a four-hour guided hike at Tolay Lake Regional Park on Saturday, Feb. 11th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay Area while learning about this incredible property and its history. This hike follows sections of trail with uneven footing and is not for inexperienced hikers; hikers must be in good physical condition. This outing is presented as part of the Sonoma iWALK Challenge and will be followed at 2:30 p.m. by an optional one-hour orientation for the Tolay Day Use Permit. In the event of rain or the potential for rain, call (707) 789-9644 after 7 a.m. the morning of the hike to learn if it has been cancelled. Orientations are scheduled throughout the year. 

Family Hikes at the Environmental Discovery Center

Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 1:00pm and 3:00pm

Bring the kids and learn about amphibians on naturalist-led hikes at Spring Lake’s Environmental Discovery Center. The one-hour hikes to view salamanders and newts begin at 1 and 3 p.m., and families can return to the EDC afterward to learn how to create amphibian habitats in their own backyard. These will be easy to moderate hikes. All ages are welcome, but strollers are not recommended. The hikes are $5 per family. Parking is $6 or free with an annual parks membership. Hikers should wear warm clothes, good walking shoes and bring water. Heavy rain cancels.

Presented by Sonoma County Regional Parks and the Sonoma County Water Agency, the Environmental Discovery Center hosts family outings on the third Saturday of each month.

The Environmental Discovery Center is at Spring Lake Regional Park, near the Violetti Road entrance. Please call the EDC at (707) 539-2865 for more information.

Lecture Series Feature Wildlife Experts

February 15, March 21 and April 18, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Sonoma Veteran’s Building

The Owls of California – February 15, 2012
The secretive and chiefly nocturnal habits of owls will be the subject of a February 15th lecture by a knowledgeable, entertaining expert on the birds. Of the 19 owl species in North America, 15 may occur in California. Joe Mueller of College of Marin will share his insight into the mysterious owl in a presentation entitled the “The Owls of California” from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door.

The Great Animal Orchestra – March 21, 2012
Wilderness and wildlife continue to perform their ancient songs in our increasingly noisy world. Who is listening and what educational and entertaining delights does this “music of the wild” still contain? Author, naturalist and sound artist Bernie Krause will discuss this great animal orchestra on March 21^st from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door.

The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex - April 18, 2012
Waterfowl migrate to the Sacramento Valley by the millions from as far away as the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada and Siberia. The 35,000-acre Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex is the most important wintering area along the ancient western flyway. Speakers Dan Frisk, Sacramento NWR Complex manager, and Mike Peters, Colusa and Sutter NWR manager, will tell us about the most spectacular concentration of waterfowl on the continent from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door.

The Sonoma Veterans Building is at 126 First Street, West, in Sonoma. For more information about the lectures, please visit www.sonomabirding.com or www.sonomacountyparks.org or call Sonoma Birding at (707) 939-8007.

Tolay Lake Regional Park - Orientations

Orientations are ongoing for the Day Use Permit Program at Tolay

Environmental Discovery Center

Explore some of Sonoma County’s most beautiful and threatened habitats! Check back often for rotating display information. See our flyer. (PDF: 1.62 MB)