Did you know that both California and Sonoma Valley are biodiversity hotspots? As many as a quarter of California’s species exist in this compact area, a place that comprises only a tenth of 1% of California’s entire land area! Join us this during this California Biodiversity Week in a bioblitz focused on the reptiles of Sugarloaf . Sugarloaf docent Galen Freed-Wilhem leads in this easy 2-mile hike in search of snakes, lizards, and other wildlife. We'll start off with a presentation inside the Robert Ferguson Observatory classroom and then hike Lower Bald and Creekside Trails, whose habitats is preferred by these species.
Meet inside the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Registration is free but required, as the event is limited to 15 participants. We will be using the mobile app iNaturalist to document spotted species. If you haven’t used iNaturalist, or haven’t made an observation for a while, this is your chance – just make sure to load the iNaturalist app on your phone before you head out to the park and that your device is fully charged. Participants of any level of experience or mobility can help find, photograph, and/or identify life in the park. Join or view our iNaturalist project at
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/2025-ca-biodiversity-week-at-sugarloaf-ridge-sp
Wear appropiate clothing and comfortable shoes, bring layers, a flashlight, at least a quart of water, and if desired, a snack. Parking fees apply.
This event is part of California Biodiversity Week along with others hosted from September 6-14. Throughout this week, individuals, communities, and organizations will host in-person and virtual events to inspire discovery of our state’s remarkable nature, while encouraging everyday actions to protect and steward it.
Ease of access: The White Barn parking lot has one van-accessible designated parking spot, one accessible porta-potty, and potable water access near the information kiosk. There is a flat, paved 1/4-mile road from the parking area to the observatory. The Robert Ferguson Observatory classroom is wheelchair-accessible by a wooden ramp and deck. The Lower Bald Mountain Trail has two trailheads: one to the left of the Observatory, and one at the main parking lot. The section from the Observatory is a single-track trail with sections of dirt, some sections of gravel, switchbacks, steps, and a cumulative elevation gain of 54ft. The Creekside Nature Trail is ADA-compliant from the main parking lot to the White Barn parking lot, about 0.48mi.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit sugarloafpark.org/events
You may also like the following events from Sugarloaf Ridge State Park:
- This Wednesday, 3rd September, 05:00 pm, Gentle Yoga Evening Hike in Kenwood
- This Saturday, 6th September, 08:00 am, SugarShuttle: Sugarloaf ↔ Hood Mtn, Pythian Rd in Kenwood
- This Saturday, 6th September, 06:00 pm, Full Moon Hike in Kenwood
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Trips & Adventurous Activities in Kenwood.
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