Sonoma County Regional Parks  
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Sonoma County Regional Parks Newsletter
March 2014 Edition
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Sonoma County Regional Parks

2300 County Center Dr, 120A

Santa Rosa, California 95403 

 

Main Office:

(707) 565-2041

 
Camping Reservations -
Mon-Fri 10am-3pm: 
(707) 565-2267 
  
FAX:
(707) 579-8247
 

Email Contacts:

 

General Information

Volunteering

 

Tolay Lake Regional Park Day-Use Permit Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to this month's edition of the Sonoma County Regional Parks Newsletter, featuring the latest information about parks, incuding programs, activities, volunteer opportunities, and more!
Wildflower Walks
poppiesDiscover the spring beauty of your Regional Parks by joining our wildflower walks on Saturdays from March 22-May 3. These walks are free and led by volunteer Phil Dean, a Master Gardner who will identify native plants, discuss the drought's impact on this year's flower displays, and share stories specific to the flora of each park. Most walks start at 10 a.m., last about two hours and proceed at an easy pace. The exception is the Hood Mountain outing, which starts at 8 a.m., lasts about four hours, and is a strenuous walk due to the elevation gain. We'll hike in light rain, but heavy rain cancels. Parking $7 or free for Regional Parks members.
Surf Camp and Three Nights Free Camping
Junior Lifeguard Surf Camp 2013

There's still time to register children 9 and older for our spring break surf camp at Doran Beach. The camp is part of our Junior Lifeguard series and runs March 17-20. Kids will learn water safety skills, marine ecology and how to surf. They'll get to use water rescue equipment and practice maneuvers in the ocean. Our regular lifeguards will be on duty to ensure safety and share their expertise, and children will be required to wear wet suits, including hoods and booties. If surf camp families are interested in overnight camping, we're offering three nights of free camping with each registration. That's a value of almost $100! Surf camp registration is available online through March 13th. To get your three free nights, call our reservation specialists at (707) 565-2267 with the code you'll receive with surf camp registration. (Camping is based on availability, and an $8.50 reservation fee applies.)

  
Birdwatching in the Parks
Bullock's Oriole at Spring Lake Regional ParkIf you'd like to learn the basics of birding or you're an experienced birder wanting to hone your skills, March is a wonderful time to be out in the parks, and our partners are offering a variety of outings and lectures:

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More March Outings
Tolay Lake Regional Park fieldsJoin us for these upcoming activities:

Visit our activities calendar for a list of future events.

 

Comadres y Carriolas

Baby in stroller at the parkMoms of infants and toddlers are invited to join a bilingual naturalist on a stroller-friendly walk around Spring Lake Park on March 8 at 10 a.m. This walk will be led entirely in Spanish and is an opportunity to connect with other moms, learn more about Spring Lake and enjoy an active hour outdoors. This outing is free. Meet at the Spring Lake boat dock at the Newanga Avenue entrance. A similar outing is planned for April 12 at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol. Call (707) 565-2730 for more information.
  
Fishing Ban on Russian River
Steelhead Beach Regional ParkThe California Fish and Wildlife Commission closed the Russian River to fishing late last month in order to protect spawning salmon and steelhead. The ban is in effect through April 30 and was enacted to help fish struggling with low river flows due to the drought. Despite recent rains, drought conditions persist, and we appreciate your cooperation with this new rule.
 
Parks Celebration 2014
Stay tuned for news about "Parks Celebration 2014," our kick off to the start of parks season! We'll be bring you dozens of free outdoor adventures from Earth Day through Memorial Day. Our rangers and naturalists are planning special hikes and other activities in the Regional Parks, and our partners are busy organizing events on other public lands. We'll bring information about all the events together in one place and provide regular reminders about all the ways you can enjoy our open spaces this spring!