June Along the Farm Trails: Lavender Fields,
Summer Produce & Grilling Galore
After three months of sheltering in place, Sonoma County is reopening, with so much to see, do, and taste! As you venture out, please remember to do your part to keep everyone healthy and safe: Wear a facial covering, keep 6 feet of distance from others, wash your hands frequently, abide by any special rules that farms and businesses are required to implement, stay home if you're feeling unwell, and have patience as we all adapt to a different way of doing things!

While large public gatherings are still on hold (sorry, graduates!), there are still many ways you can celebrate and enjoy the bounty and beauty of Sonoma County. June is a gorgeous and abundant month—lavender fields buzzing with bees, farmers' markets and farm stands brimming with summer produce, and the weather perfect for outdoor grilling. Many restaurants, wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries are gradually opening for indoor and outdoor dining and tastings. Stores are welcoming the public inside to shop once again. We continue to update our SIP Reopening portal on our website, so be sure to check it out for the latest on new and expanded offerings. (As things are still fluid, please double-check directly with all farms, restaurants, and producers to confirm hours and any special protocols.)

If you need or prefer to stay at home, you have many options! Many farmers' markets, producers, restaurants, and businesses are continuing to offer curbside pickup, local home delivery, and online ordering. The health and safety of you and our community is the number-one priority of Farm Trails' members, and they are here to help you.

Here are some great ways to savor early summer along the Farm Trails!
Lavender Fields Forever (or for a Few Weeks!)
monte bellaria
Sonoma County's Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal place to grow lavender. Right now is peak bloom at these area lavender farms, so plan your visit soon!
Bees N Bloom (pictured at top): This Santa Rosa organic farm aims to fix any “nature deficit disorder” you may be experiencing from spending too much time indoors. Walk the lavender labyrinth—the largest labyrinth in California. Watch pollinators at work in the flowers; visit the ducks, geese, and chickens; see the bee tree; and check out the farm stand to take home flowers, honey, lavender essential oil, produce, bedding plants, and more.  O pen Fridays and Sundays through Labor Day, 10 am to 3 pm. Visit their website for more info.

Lavender Bee Farm: Amid the rolling hills of Petaluma is this family honey farm with well over 5,000 lavender plants and multiple hives, all grown chem-free for the health of their bees, their plants, and you! Open for self-guided tours June 20 and 27 from 9 am to 1 pm. Be sure to stop by the farm store for honey, fresh-cut lavender, dried lavender, lavender products, and lavender plants. Please RSVP; call (707) 789-0554 or email   to reserve your spot; $15/person. No picnics or pets, please. For more info, visit their website .

Matanzas Creek Winery: A sustainably farmed winery located in the remote but beautiful Bennett Valley region, Matanzas Creek is also renowned for their lavender gardens. T he public is allowed in the field during their hours of operation Thursday to Monday, 11 am to 4:30 pm, free of charge. Parking is just south of the lavender. The parking area north of it is for guests of the winery. The winery is appointment only, and you will need to make a reservation to come onto that part of the property. For directions and reservations, visit their website or VinoVisit.com .

Monte-Bellaria di California (above): L ocated in the Russian River Appellation, this farm specializes in estate-grown lavender, bees, and olive oil. Their cut lavender, lavender buds, olive oil, honey, and beeswax are used to make their essential oil and hydrosols, soaps, fragrances, and culinary products. Enjoy self-guided tours through the lavender fields and shop the farm stand Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 4 pm, through December. Reservations required during high bloom season, $10/adult; no dogs, please. Visit their website to RSVP.
High Season for Peaches and Blueberries
Nothing says summer more than fresh peaches and blueberries. Check out these Sonoma County farms for the freshest of the fresh!
Dry Creek Peach & Produce Farm Stand: Adjacent to the orchard—organic peaches (30 varieties!), just-picked produce, peach jam, cobbler mix, and other fun products abound. Take in the unrivaled beauty of Dry Creek Valley with a stop at Dry Creek Peach. Visit their website for directions and the latest open dates, or call to confirm farm stand status: (707) 433-8121.
Duckworth Family Farm Blueberry U-Pick: Blueberries have very specific soil needs, and this 80-acre farm nestled in the hills outside Sebastopol has the perfect growing conditions for organic blueberries! They are open for U-pick on the weekends for the next few weeks, no appointment necessary. Please visit their Facebook page for details, or call (707) 829-7999.
Grilling for Father's Day, and Every Day
Grilling has become a Father's Day staple, maybe because the weather is perfect for outdoor fun! Sonoma County has no shortage of local, pastured, sustainable, and delicious meats for your BBQ this weekend or anytime. Here are some great sources. (Photo: Victorian Farmstead Meat Company)
grilling
Shop at Your Local Farmers' Market!
sebastopol farm market
Want to support even more local farmers, ranchers, creameries, and ag producers? Then shop at one of the many area farmers' markets, either in person or with curbside pickup! For the current list of open markets, links to curbside ordering, and to read about public health protocols, click here .

(Photo: Sebastopol Farm Market )
Farming for Teens
If you have a teen or know a teen, they can sign up for Petaluma Bounty's first-ever Summer Teen Program, all Thursdays of July, 3 to 6 pm.

The Teen Program will allow participants to work closely with Farmer Reyna, learn more about sustainable agriculture and community farming, and take home a free bag of fresh produce per week of the program. Email to sign up.
OUR MISSION
We connect the public to Sonoma County farmers and producers to ensure the economic viability of local ag and to instill an appreciation of ag as a vital part of our community.
FARMS FOREVER!
Thank you for your support of Sonoma County farms, ranches, producers, and purveyors in our collective mission of preserving Farms Forever!
FARM TRAILS STAFF
Carmen Snyder, Executive Director
Ellen Cavalli, Project Manager
707-837-8896
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Vince Trotter, President
Lauren Bowne, Secretary
Andrea Krout, Treasurer
Karen Bianchi-Moreda, Director
Alexandra Fox, Director
Rick Williams, Director
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