abril 26, 2025
Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/26/2025
9:30 am-12:00 pm
Location
Van Hoosear Wildlife Preserve
Categorías
Date: Saturday, abril 26
Time: 9:30 pm – noon
Meeting location: Directions will be provided upon registration
Register here >>
Join Sonoma Ecology Center and Sonoma Ag. + Open Space for our annual spring hikes at Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve, a stunning 162-acre protected area renowned for its incredible biodiversity and vibrant wildflower displays. This exclusive opportunity allows participants to experience one of Sonoma Valley’s most treasured landscapes, guided by expert naturalists from the Sonoma Ecology Center.
Each spring, the rolling grasslands of Van Hoosear burst into a spectacular display of native wildflowers including California poppies, lupines, buttercups, shooting stars, and owl’s clover. Our guided hikes offer a chance to learn about the preserve’s unique landscape, diverse plant communities, and the role of conservation in protecting these ecosystems.
Along the way, our naturalists will share insights into the preserve’s history and ongoing restoration efforts, as well as the importance of pollinators, native plants, and watershed health. Wildlife sightings are common, with opportunities to observe birds, butterflies, and other native species in their natural habitat.
There is no charge for this outing, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax. Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve is permanently protected under a conservation easement made possible by the voter-approved Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (Ag + Open Space) and the California Wildlife Conservation Board. Sonoma Ecology Center manages Van Hoosear Preserve through a partnership with the landowner.
Difficulty: Moderate (uneven terrain and mostly no trail, tall grass and short but steep elevation gain at the entrance).
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended), hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water and snacks, binoculars and a field guide (optional but encouraged).