Master plan approval clears way for late October opening
We're thrilled to announce that Tolay Lake Regional Park will be open every day beginning October 27. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has approved the park's master plan, an action that lets us open the 3,400-acre park daily without the need for visitor permits. With the opening comes new access to the southern half of the park via an extension of the West Ridge Trail, pictured above. But first, we're hosting the annual Tolay Fall Festival!
The annual Tolay Fall Festival returns Oct. 13-14 and 20-21 with all its favorites. Ride the hay wagon to the pumpkin patch or visit the creaky Creatures Barn full of bats, snakes, buzzards, tarantulas, and other critters. Make farm crafts, enter the pumpkin seed spitting contest, navigate the hay maze, and enjoy plenty of other family fun. And with Tolay Lake Regional Park days away from its full opening, festival guests are invited to preview a new trail segment.
Maintaining 56 parks spanning 11,000 acres is not simple. In fact, keeping Sonoma County's parks safe and accessible with limited funding and staffing is one of our greatest challenges. That's why much of the expenditure plan for Measure M on the November ballot is devoted to repairs for trails, restrooms, signs, fences and other infrastructure. This video shows some of the needs at parks like Shiloh Ranch, Tolay Lake and Helen Putnam.
We were honored last weekend to host several hundred visitors for a wildfire remembrance gathering at Shiloh Ranch Regional Park. The intent was to express gratitude for our community and our open spaces through art, music, nature walks, and shared experiences. Thanks to all who joined us and to our partners who supported this special day.
Join "Bill and Dave Hikes" for an
11-mile Hood Mountain hike on October 13. You'll start near the floor of the Vallley of the Moon and climb the
Johnson Ridge, Hood Mountain and Summit trails 2,400 feet to Gunsight Rock, where you'll break for lunch before descending. This free hike is an opportunity not only to test your stamina but also to see how the mountain looks a year after the Nun's Fire swept across its ridges.
Locals know fall delivers some glorious days on the Sonoma Coast. Summer is famous for fog, but autumn typically brings sunny skies and T-shirt temperatures. This blog post reminds us why fall is the season to head to Sonoma County's beaches.
Save the Redwoods Leagueis turning 100 and is teaming with Regional Parks and other agencies to offer free parking at more than 100 redwood parks on Saturday, October 13. There are still a few passes left for Gualala Point and Riverfront Regional Park. Download a pass to connect with these natural wonders and tag your photos #Stand4Redwoods to celebrate Save the Redwoods' conservation legacy.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2018 Sonoma County Regional Parks Trails Challenge a success. With participants from throughout the county - and even a few out-of-state folks - the challenge allowed us to connect to your journeys and share in your Regional Parks experience. We hope it was as rewarding for you as it was for us!
