Calabazas Creek on path to public parkland
Another jewel of parkland has come to Sonoma County Regional Parks from our partners at Sonoma County Ag + Open Space. The 1,290-acre site in Glen Ellen known as Calabazas Creek preserve is both ecologically and historically significant. Once owned by 19th-century entrepreneur and abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant, the property follows its namesake creek downstream through the Mayacamas Mountains to the Sonoma Valley floor, supporting numerous native species along the way.
Ag + Open Space transferred ownership of the land to us in July. We now are beginning the three- to five-year process of master planning the future Calabazas Creek Regional Park and Open Space Preserve so it can open permanently to the public. We also are planning "park preview days" so you can explore the site on self-guided hikes. We'll announce preview dates and reservation details here and on social media in September.
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How to ride the Russian River Shuttle
For weekend river-goers floating between Steelhead and Sunset beaches, Regional Parks' new Russian River Shuttle is an easy way to avoid the frustration of full parking lots or the logistical challenge of arranging your own ride between the beaches. Watch this video to learn how, for only $5, you can catch one of the shuttle buses running from Santa Rosa to Steelhead and Sunset every Saturday and Sunday through September.
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Give your perfect beach day a perfect wrap-up
Sure, it's time to go back to school, but if the warm, clear weather continues, there still will be some perfect afternoons ahead for picnicking, sunbathing, boating and swimming at Russian River beaches and the Spring Lake swimming lagoon.
The lagoon—which is filtered, chlorinated and tested for water quality—is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day through Labor Day and on weekends through September. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also open through the same period, but from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
With over a month of summer still to go, we ask park visitors to protect our beautiful outdoor spaces, and each other, by following Leave No Trace guidelines. That includes trashing your trash—the right way to wrap up a perfect day at the beach.
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More Carrington preview days on the horizon
For those who missed the first Carrington Coast Ranch park preview days, we are hosting more previews on Sept. 23 and Oct. 16 and Jan. 22. On these days, we'll shuttle you from the Bodega Bay Community Center to this new parkland above Salmon Creek on the Sonoma Coast so you can explore the site on self-guided hikes.
Reservations are required and spots tend to fill quickly, so if you sign up, please don't be a no-show. If you can't make your reservation, email us in advance and we will open your spot for someone else.
In addition, park preview days continue at Mark West, with the next one on Aug. 22. Both Mark West and Carrington Ranch were acquired and transferred to us by Sonoma County Ag + Open Space for future public parkland.
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New video spotlights North Coast camping options
Autumn is an ideal time to camp on the Sonoma Coast, with summer crowds thinning and foggy days giving way to clear skies. Our newest video highlights coastal camping options, especially at Stillwater Cove and Gualala Point Regional Parks. If you're able to visit mid-week, you'll likely find openings at these parks this fall. Now is also a great time to choose a camping spot for next year; reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance.
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Spring Lake Water Bark is back |
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The Water Bark dog swim returns in October! This popular event—canceled last year due to the pandemic—transforms the swimming lagoon at Spring Lake Regional Park into an off-leash dog park. This year’s Water Bark will be held in morning and afternoon sessions the first three weekends of October.
Pre-sale tickets are $7 per dog for Regional Parks members and $9 per dog for non-members. All day-of tickets are $10 per dog.
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The Water Bark is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, which supports trail construction and maintenance, fire preparedness and other critical projects in the parks.
The Parks Foundation will host a donor appreciation event for its monthly contributors, major donors and legacy donors prior to the public Water Bark kickoff.
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Youth Kayak Skills Camp
Kids ages 10-14 will learn the essentials of kayaking while enjoying a fun outdoor experience with their peers during this two-day camp at Riverfront Regional Park on Aug. 21-22. We’ll provide the kayaks, paddles, life jackets and instruction, and kids will gain confidence on the water while learning about paddling techniques, launching and landing, communication and signaling, and more.
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Bill and Dave's footsteps
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Sonoma County Regional Parks
(707) 565-2041
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