LAguna foundation public education program
walks & classes
Learning Laguna Adventure
Introduction to the Laguna
with Christina Sloop, PhD, Joe Honton & Julian Meisler
Saturday, March 15 ♦ 2:00-6:00 PM ♦ $25 per person
The Laguna, its uplands and the Santa Rosa Plain are biologically rich and diverse and we are continually increasing our knowledge about the significance of this natural gem. There are over 25 creeks that feed the Laguna and within its watershed there are significant numbers of endangered plants and animals, plus a wide variety of mammals, and over 200 species of nesting and migrating birds. Join Laguna Foundation staff for an introduction to the natural history of the Laguna, including restoration and scientific research currently underway. We will start in the classroom then continue our learning in the field as the afternoon light fades into evening.
Laguna Learning Adventure
Bugs to Butterflies - Insects of the Laguna
with Frédérique Lavoipierre
Saturday, April 12 ♦ 9 AM – 1 PM ♦ $25 per person
From pollinators to decomposers, predators to prey, insects are important. Come learn about some of the insects of the Laguna and the diverse roles various species play in the ecosystem. We will look for critters in the field (and in the water!) and Frédérique will also share some of the mounted specimens from the Sonoma State Biology Department.
Community Walk
Alpha Wildlife Area Rookery
with Laguna Docents
Wednesday, April 16 ♦ 5:30-7:30 PM ♦ $10 per person
Alpha Farm Wildlife Area has beautiful views of the Laguna and a rookery with great blue herons and double crested cormorants. This evening will be a great opportunity to explore this City of Santa Rosa’s property with Laguna docents as the day fades and the birds are busily preparing for the night.
Community Walk
Delta Pond Rookery
with Laguna Docents
Saturday, May 3 ♦ Choose your time:
7:30 AM, 7:50 AM, 8:10 AM, 8:30 AM, 8:50 AM, 9:15 AM ♦ $10 per person
This annual event is not to be missed! The trees between Delta Pond and the Laguna are host to a sizable rookery of great blue herons, double crested cormorants, plus great egrets with their wispy breeding plumage. Come watch the adults endeavoring to keep up with demanding chicks who are trying to out-compete nest-mates and prepare for first flight. The sights and sounds of all this activity are indeed awe-inspiring. This event is a fund-raiser for the Learning Laguna bus scholarship fund.
Laguna Learning Adventure
Vernal Pools of the Santa Rosa Plain
with Christina Sloop, PhD
Saturday, April 26 ♦ 9 AM – 1 PM ♦ $25 per person
Vernal pools are a stunningly beautiful and ephemeral phenomenon each spring and Sonoma County is one of the few places in the world where they exist. The unique environment of vernal pools provides habitat for numerous rare plants and animals that are able to survive and even thrive in the harsh environment of fluctuating wet and dry conditions. Want to learn more? Join us for this classroom and field learning adventure!
Laguna Learning Adventure
Wetland Topography – Swales & Hummocks
with Denise Cadman
Saturday, May 17 ♦ 9 AM – Noon ♦ $20 per person
Seemingly flat stretches of the Santa Rosa Plain are actually subtly contoured. Sometimes depressions in the land form isolated pools, other times, the depressions are connected by swales. Hummocks are the slightly elevated clumps of vegetation or soil. Come learn how the landscape effects the movement of water and what it all means to the plant and animal life of the area. We will visit and hike around the Stone Farm swale and hummock project, exploring and learning along the way.
Community Walk
Summer Walks at the Sebastopol Wetlands Preserve
with Laguna Docents
Wednesday, June 11 ♦ 7-8:30 PM ♦ $10 per person
Saturday, June 21 ♦♦ 9:30-11:30 AM ♦ $10 per person
Wednesday, July 9 ♦♦ 7-8:30 PM ♦ $10 per person
Wednesday, August 6 ♦ 7:00-8:30 PM ♦ $10 per person
Saturday, August 16 ♦ 9:30-11:30 AM ♦ $10 per person
During these short and pleasant walks (under 1 mile) Laguna docents will provide an overview of the plants and animals of the Laguna and we will also touch on some of the cultural history of the area.
Community Walk
Sebastopol Wetlands Preserve for Families
with Laguna Docents
Saturday, July 19 ♦ 9:30-11:30 AM Special Family Walk - $5 per person
Bring the kids! Our Learning Laguna docents will present hands-on activities to keep everyone engaged, having fun and learning about the habitat, plants and animals of the Laguna.
Exploring Kelly Wetlands Family Walk
with Laguna Docents
Saturday, August 9 ♦ 9:30-11:30 AM ♦ Special Family Walk - $5 per person
This demonstration wetland overlooks the Laguna and has many special features of its own including open water, emergent wetland, riparian, and upland vegetation wildlife habitats. Hundreds of school children have explored this area through our Learning Laguna program. This is your family’s chance to experience the magic of the place! We’ll investigate and learn about the plants and the animal signs we are likely to encounter, play environmental education games and weave a toy from tules. Join us for a fun (and educational!) morning.
Exploring Kelly Wetlands Family Walk
Food Webs & Interconnections
with Denise Cadman
Saturday, August 23 ♦ 9 AM – 1 PM ♦ - $25 per person
How are the plants and animals of the Laguna connected? What makes Valley Oak trees so important? Why do migrating birds “stop over?” Join us on an exploration of the City of Santa Rosa’s Alpha Farm Wildlife Area and we will learn about some of the vital plant and animal interconnections of the Laguna.