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Etiqueta: Sonoma Land Trust

  • Sharing Dreams for the Greenway

    Compartiendo sueños para la vía verde

    Volunteers Worked Together to Envision a Completed Park

    After years of advocating for the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway park land, volunteers gathered together to write down their dreams for park amenities onto sticky notes. The notes were then placed in recommended areas on a map of the greenway. This was an important step in maintaining the ideas and input received by volunteers and community members over the years as the Southeast Greenway moves into the next phase of planning.  

    In early July, Southeast Greenway volunteers and supporters gathered once again to share their dreams for the park, now with renewed energy as CMG Landscape Architecture has joined the project to help design the park’s master plan. Long time volunteer Pete Dellavalle presented possible recreational uses and their locations such as a pump track, adaptive playgrounds, yoga area, and more.  

    Attendees also met representatives from CMG Landscape Architecture, who the Ciudad de Santa Rosa recently hired to help design the master plan for the park, and Civic Edge Consulting, who will help with community engagement and outreach. CMG Landscape shared more about their work and how they plan to integrate and restore natural features along the Greenway as part of their plans for including trails, habitat spaces, and recreational areas. It was exciting to see how even with new organizations involved, the focus is on making sure the Southeast Greenway is going to be a park built by the community, for the community.  

    Special thanks to Sonoma Clean Power for hosting the gathering at their downtown Santa Rosa headquarters and Santa Rosa City Mayor Mark Stapp for attending.

    If you have dreams for this park, stay tuned for upcoming workshops, surveys, and more.  

  • City Selects Master Plan Consultant

    La ciudad selecciona consultor para el plan maestro

    A Major Milestone in Bringing Santa Rosa’s Newest Park to Life!

    After months of anticipation, the Santa Rosa City Council has taken a major step forward for the Southeast Greenway. On June 16, 2026, the Council approved a contract with CMG Landscape Architecture to lead the master planning process for the nearly two-mile corridor connecting Farmers Lane to Spring Lake.

    This marks the official start of the next chapter for the Greenway: planning the transformation of 49 acres once slated for freeway expansion into a vibrant, welcoming public park in the heart of our city.

    CMG brings deep experience shaping public spaces across the Bay Area. The San Francisco-based firm led the landscape design for the Petaluma River Park project, which will become a destination park. They designed Mission Rock, the waterfront neighborhood near Oracle Park developed in partnership with the San Francisco Giants, and played a leading role in long-term planning for Crissy Field, one of the most visited and beloved parks in the region. Their portfolio also includes major civic and waterfront resilience projects throughout Northern California—work that should translate well to a community-defining space like the Southeast Greenway.

    According to the City of Santa Rosa’s announcement, community outreach will begin soon, giving residents a chance to help shape a shared vision for the park. Input gathered from participants will inform a draft master plan, expected to be ready for public review in spring or summer 2027.

    This is wonderful news, and a strong signal that real progress is finally underway. As outreach plans take shape over the coming weeks, we’ll be right here to help spread the word.

    Stay connected with us for upcoming opportunities to get involved and make your voice heard as planning begins.

  • Shaping Paths Between Two Greenways

    Shaping Paths Between Two Greenways

    City Survey and Community Bike Ride Offer a Chance to Weigh In 

    The City of Santa Rosa is taking on an exciting connectivity project: linking the Prince Memorial Greenway downtown with the future Southeast Greenway, closing a critical gap in what could one day be a continuous east/west trail across the city. As part of the Greenway Connectivity Study, City planners are asking the community to help choose between three possible routes—and there are two great ways to get involved.

    Take the Survey
    The City has put together an online survey walking through the three proposed alternatives, complete with maps and visual simulations of what each option could look like on the ground. It takes about 15 minutes to complete, and your input will directly inform the City’s recommended path forward.

    Join the Community Bike Ride
    Want to see the routes in person? Join City planners and fellow community members for a guided bike ride on Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m., meeting at Prince Gateway Park. The flat, approximately 4-mile ride heads to Montgomery High School and back, giving riders a firsthand look at two of the route options along the way. All ages and abilities are welcome, and there’s an optional group lunch afterward for anyone who’d like to keep the conversation going.

    There’s also an in-person workshop on July 29 from 6–7:30 p.m. at 635 First Street in the City Hall Campus with a short presentation, Q&A, and free snacks and childcare provided.

    This is a great opportunity to have a direct voice in how our community connects, walks, and bikes for years to come. Learn more and find additional details on the City of Santa Rosa’s project page.

  • Child in the Wild Returns!

    Child in the Wild Returns!

    Joy, Sunshine, and Another Lucky Bicycle Winner

    Families gathered once again at Howarth Park for Child in the Wild, the annual community celebration of the Southeast Greenway hosted by Sonoma Land Trust. The May 31st event brought music, dance, and cultural performances to a sunny afternoon at the lower lawn, with returning favorites like the Sonoma County Pomo Dancers, Grupo Folklórico Quetzalén, and Danza Xantotl, alongside bounce houses, face painting, and nature activities for kids of all ages.

    Volunteers at the Southeast Greenway booth connected with dozens of families throughout the day, sharing updates on the Greenway’s progress and pointing out neighborhoods near the park property on the community map. One first-time volunteer described the afternoon as a true celebration of everything wonderful about Sonoma County’s parks and the Greenway project, especially watching kids picture themselves winning a new bike.

    Dragon dancers entertain families at Child in the Wild   Children coloring at the Southeast Greenway tent at Child in the Wild

    That bike, generously donated again this year by Trek Bikes of Santa Rosa, went home with five-year-old Evie, who had just graduated from training wheels days before. Trek store manager Matthew helped her pick out the perfect ride—fitting timing, since the giveaway landed on her last day of school. Evie’s excitement was a reminder of why this giveaway has become such a beloved part of the day; past winners have kept right on riding, often years later.

       Girl sitting on bicycle that she won at a raffle at Child in the Wild

    We’re grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate the Greenway, and to our partners and volunteers who help make Child in the Wild possible every year.  Special thanks to the donors and sponsors behind this event: Maxwell Hanrahan Foundation, Bancroft Foundation, Maria Cardamone and Paul Matthews, Saba Foundation, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space, the City of Santa Rosa, and Recology.

       Child getting face painted

  • Upcoming Events April-June

    Upcoming Events April-June

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    Outdoor Spring Activities

    Forest Bathing with Jenny Harrow-Keeler
    April 15th and May 20th, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

    Guided forest bathing is a mindfulness-based practice that invites participants to slow down and connect deeply with nature. Come enjoy this accessible experience on the Southeast Greenway with Jenny Harrow-Keeler. This free event is sponsored by Sonoma Land Trust and Ag + Open Space. Registration required.

    Earth Day BioBlitz
    Wednesday, April 22nd, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

    Celebrate Earth Day by participating in a Bioblitz on the Southeast Greenway. We’ll begin with an orientation about using the iNaturalist app on your phone. Then we will wander the property and document the nature we find. This accessible event is free for participants and sponsored by Sonoma Land Trust and Ag + Open Space. Registration required.

    Gentle Yoga with Devorah Blum
    April 29th and June 3rd, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

    Join Devorah Blum for gentle, accessible yoga amidst the shady trees on the Southeast Greenway. Sponsored by Sonoma Land Trust and Ag + Open Space, this experience is free to attend but requires registration. Learn healthy ways to stretch, strengthen, and balance in the poses, and finish class feeling deeply relaxed. Registration required.

    Excursión guiada por el Southeast Greenway
    May 2nd, 9:00 am to 11:30 am

    Join volunteers for a guided two-mile walk on the Southeast Greenway and become acquainted with Santa Rosa’s newest park. This free event is sponsored by Sonoma Land Trust and Ag + Open Space. Registration required.

    Sound Healing with Amelia Belle and Bob Rudorf
    May 6th and June 17th, 3:00 to 4:00 pm

    Amelia Belle and Bob Rudorf will use crystal sound bowls and other instruments, enriched by the natural sounds of the environment, guiding you on a transformational journey that offers a deeper connection to nature. Sponsored by Sonoma Land Trust and Ag + Open Space, this accessible event is free for participants. Registration required.

     

     

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  • Upcoming Events

    Upcoming Events

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    Get Involved Through a Walk or Volunteering!

    Paseos guiados por el Southeast Greenway
    Saturday, February 14th and March 14th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

    Enjoy a morning walk with our volunteers and learn more about Santa Rosa’s newest park property. This easy 2-mile route begins near Montgomery High School and finishes just past Summerfield Road. A shuttle is available if you don’t feel like walking the two miles back. Event is free, Sign up here.

    New Volunteer Orientation
    Thursday, March 19th, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

    Interested in becoming a volunteer for the Southeast Greenway? Volunteers bring a wide variety of skills to our organization and the orientation provides a way to learn more about the property and all the opportunities ahead. Join us! Sign up here.

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  • Upcoming Events

    Upcoming Events

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    Join us for a walk or learn more about becoming a volunteer!

    Paseos guiados por el Southeast Greenway
    Saturday, February 14th and March 14th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
    Enjoy a morning walk with our volunteers and learn more about Santa Rosa’s newest park property. This easy two mile route begins near Montgomery High School and finishes just past Summerfield Road. A shuttle is available if you don’t feel like walking the two miles back. Event is free, Sign up here.

    New Volunteer Orientation
    Thursday, March 19th, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
    Interested in becoming a volunteer for the Southeast Greenway? Volunteers bring a wide variety of skills to our organization and provide a means to learn more about the property and all the opportunities ahead. Join us!     Sign up here.

    Foto cortesía de Greg Cox

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  • Upcoming Events for October

    Upcoming Events for October

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    Cooler days… more ways to enjoy the Greenway

    Yoga in Nature: Bilingual Yoga with Leslie Lee
    Saturday, October 4, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
    Join a free 1-hour yoga session on the Southeast Greenway sponsored by our partner Sonoma Land Trust. This class will be translated into Spanish. Childcare, yoga mats and blankets provided; no previous yoga experience necessary.     Learn more here.

    Sharing Stories in Nature
    Tuesday, October 7th, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Come and enjoy some storytelling on the Southeast Greenway. This free event is sponsored by our partner Sonoma Land Trust.     More information here.

    Excursión guiada por el Southeast Greenway
    Saturday, October 11th, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Enjoy a morning walk with our volunteers and learn more about Santa Rosa’s newest park property. This easy two mile route begins near Montgomery High School and finishes just past Summerfield Road. A shuttle is available if you don’t feel like walking the two miles back. Event is free,     sign up here.

    New Volunteer Orientation
    Tuesday, October 21st, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
    Interested in becoming a volunteer for the Southeast Greenway?  Volunteers bring a wide variety of skills to our organization and learn more about the property and all the opportunities ahead. Join us!     Sign up here.

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  • BioBlitz on the Southeast Greenway

    BioBlitz on the Southeast Greenway

    Explore the Biodiversity of Our Newest Park

    On Saturday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., the Sonoma Land Trust will host a California Biodiversity Day BioBlitz on the Southeast Greenway. Participants will gather at Sumner Lane and Park Vista Court for a short orientation, then set out to see how many plants, insects, birds, and other living things the group can find. 

    Why does it matter? Biodiversity—everything from native plants and pollinators to fungi and birds—keeps ecosystems healthy and resilient. The Southeast Greenway is home to an impressive variety of habitats right in the middle of Santa Rosa, as we explored in a recent article on the diverse ecosytsem of the Greenway.

    Close up photo of purple wildflower found on the Southeast Greenway Close up photo of green tree branch with small dark berries on branches

    What is a Bioblitz? It’s a fun, fast-paced way to discover that richness. If you join the event, bring your cellphone. We recommend that you download the free iNaturalist app before you arrive. You’ll learn how to use the app to take photos of what you see. The app helps identify each species, and the results are added to a worldwide database used by scientists and conservationists to track biodiversity. 

    Think of it as a treasure hunt in your own backyard—you never know what you’ll spot until you’re out there looking. Who knows? Your photo might be the one that adds a new species to the Greenway’s growing list.

    Read more about California Biodiversity Week.

  • Upcoming Events for September

    Upcoming Events for September

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    Come for Guided Walk and Stay for BioBlitz!

    Excursión guiada por el Southeast Greenway
    Saturday, September 13th, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
    Enjoy a cool morning walk with volunteers Pete Dellavalle and Will Baty to learn more about Santa Rosa’s newest park property. This easy two mile route begins near Montgomery High School and finishes just past Summerfield Road. A shuttle is available if you don’t feel like walking the two miles back. Event is free. ¡Regístrese aquí!

    California Biodiversity Day BioBlitz
    Saturday, September 13th, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
    Join Sonoma Land Trust to celebrate California Biodiversity Day with a Bioblitz on the Southeast Greenway. Participants will meet near the corner of Sumner Lane and Park Vista Court for an orientation on how to use the iNaturalist app. You’ll need a cellphone to participate, and it’s best if you download the app before you arrive. After the orientation, have fun exploring the Southeast Greenway and documenting what you find using the app. More information here.

    Foto cortesía de Greg Cox

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