Because of our coastal geography, varied topography, paleobotany, and microclimatic diversity, Sonoma County comprises a nearly-complete matrix of Northern California habitat diversity. From chaparral, grassland, and forests, to wetlands, beach-dune and near-shore marine environments, Sonoma County has so much to explore, love, and treasure. Here in Sonoma County, you are never more than a few minutes from a park or open space.
Below are links to local organizations offering public hikes, community education classes, after school programs for kids, and summer camps.
The Sonoma Coast, the Russian River, the Sonoma Valley and other spectacular settings are yours to explore in the Regional Parks. Hike, camp, host a picnic, ride a bike, paddle a kayak, or simply take in the view. Whatever your idea of outdoor fun, you’re sure to find it in the Sonoma County Regional Parks. Join us for any upcoming hike, paddle, interpretive walk, and more!
Sonoma County is host to a number of beautiful and diverse State Parks. From the coast to the redwood forests, historic sites and preserves throughout the county, there is everything here for you to experience.
Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks invites you to explore 950 acres of parks and community spaces! Picnic sites, playgrounds, trails, sport courts, athletic fields, dog parks, boating lakes, skate parks, amusement rides and a fly-casting pond are just a sampling of the assets you will find in your parks.
Pepperwood’s 3,200 acre preserve serves as a refuge for over 900 species of plants and animals. We are leaders in ecosystem-climate research, producing critical science to help guide our region’s natural resource management and conservation planning. Pepperwood also offers environmental education opportunities for all ages to cultivate an ethic of conservation in our North Bay region.
Sonoma Ecology Center works to address challenges related to water supply and quality, open space, rural character, biodiversity, energy, climate change, and a better quality of life for all residents.
Sonoma Land Trust hosts myriad outings and events throughout the year. From mountain treks to botany crawls, bird watching to kayaking, there are many ways to join us on the land. We also offer lectures and events throughout the year where you can spend time with a community of people dedicated to preserving the land.
We are passionate about spreading solutions and models that provide the skills, tools, and resources to conserve natural resources while growing food, medicine, habitat, and community. We offer our low-cost, low-tech, people-powered solutions through our talks, tours, and workshops that allow for opportunities to take part in hands-on learning. Our hope is that participants take what they learn from our programs, and replicate it in their own homes, neighborhoods, and communities.
The Laguna Foundation is proud to collaborate with local biologists, artists, educators, herbalists, naturalists, and partner organizations to offer a wide range of natural and cultural history workshops, walks, presentations, and classes all year long. Whether you’d like to learn a new skill, enjoy the beautiful Laguna scenery, or attend a fun event with your family, the Laguna Foundation has a variety of offerings to deepen your appreciation for the Laguna de Santa Rosa, connect with nature, and inspire a vibrant community dedicated to lifelong learning.
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards) is a non-profit organization that partners with the Russian River Sector of California State Parks to promote, restore and protect the natural and cultural resources in our parks. State Parks depends on Stewards to provide funding for the Volunteers in Parks program, educational and interpretive activities, for resource management and stewardship projects, and to assist in the development of interpretive facilities and displays.
In 2005 Friends of the Petaluma River was formed to connect our community with the wonders of the Petaluma Watershed. While much of our work is focused on conservation and education surrounding this sensitive habitat, we also believe that celebration plays a large role in our mission. Through events at the River Heritage Center, family programming around the Watershed and access opportunities for the public we bring our Watershed to life.
Rooting youth in nature starts here. Play, adventure, and exploration in the outdoors enhances your child’s self-confidence, lowers stress, builds confidence and a sense of belonging. And connection with the natural world tends to inspire a lifelong desire to take care of the land. We believe that all youth, regardless of race, class, or physical ability, should have access to the outdoors. We emphasize experiences that tap into the positive and transformative opportunities for wonder, joy, and learning in our amazing local natural landscapes.
The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County provides hands-on, interactive exhibits and activities in a safe environment that are custom designed for families with children aged ten years old and younger.
The Nature Education Program at ACR connects children and adults with nature, cultivates environmental literacy, and promotes stewardship of the earth through experiential nature education and emphasis on lifelong learning.
A FREE hands-on STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, & Math) annual event for San Francisco North Bay Area families, part of the Bay Area Science Festival.