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Explore eBird: discover birds and contribute to science

Whether you're a lifelong birder or just starting to notice what's singing outside your window, free tools like Merlin and eBird make it easy to identify birds, log sightings, and contribute to real conservation science—no expertise required.

Natural Attractions—What to explore right now

Natural Attractions is your guide to exploring Sonoma County right now, with recommendations straight from Sonoma Land Trust experts. This month, birding expert and land acquisition program manager Kate Freeman, takes us to Riverfront Regional Park, a shady, bird-filled gem where brown creepers spiral up redwood trunks and California thrashers lurk in the coyote brush.

The Birds of the West 9th St Rookery

Four species of herons and egrets have taken over a Santa Rosa street median—and for the 14th year running, a dedicated crew of volunteers is there to make sure their chicks survive it. Hear from our friends at Madrone Audubon about what's happening on West 9th Street in Santa Rosa, and why it's one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in Sonoma County.

Chapter one of Sonoma Land trust’s history: A parks story

Together, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Hood Mountain Regional Park form one of the most significant protected landscapes in the North Bay—but the "SugarHood" beloved by locals didn't come together overnight. Here's the story of how Sonoma Land Trust helped close the gaps, one acquisition at a time.

Eyes on the sky with bill perry: Surveying birds is a lifestyle

Meet Bill Perry—retired scientist, avid cyclist, birder, and co-leader of the Sunday HawkWatch team at the Jenner Headlands, where he counts migrating raptors every fall. For Bill, every outing is a chance to survey the sky for feathered friends, and every season brings someone new.

What El Niño means for fire season—and how to prepare

A powerful El Niño is building in the Pacific, and its effects will likely begin to influence California this month. We're breaking down what that means for fire season in Sonoma County—and sharing the steps you can take to protect your home, your family, and your community.

Quincey Tompkins Imhoff brings global vision home to Sonoma County

Growing up with one of conservation's great visionaries shaped her perspective, but for Quincey Tompkins Imhoff, the work is about more than scale. After decades of building her own path through international conservation, she's coming home to Sonoma County with everything she's learned—and a growing passion for building up the next generation of conservation superstars.

How protected lands help buffer against extreme weather

A powerful El Niño is building in the Pacific, and its effects will likely begin to influence California this month. We're breaking down what that means for fire season in Sonoma County—and sharing the steps you can take to protect your home, your family, and your community.

Natural Attractions—What to explore right now

This spring, stewardship technician Bianca Vargas recommends heading to the Red Hill to Pomo Canyon Trailhead at Sonoma Coast State Park, where higher humidity drives stunning wildflower blooms and the ecosystems shift dramatically as you climb—offering a front-row seat to a rare coastal ecotone in action.

Fire changes everything—and shows us the way

After the 2017 fires, Sonoma Land Trust faced a hard truth: protecting land from development wasn't enough. What followed—putting good fire back on the ground, landmark science studies, and innovative new models of collaboration—changed what it means to do conservation.

There’s a place for everyone in conservation

After the 2020 pandemic shuttered in-person activities, Sonoma Land Trust took the time to reimagine its volunteer program. Now it’s back, transformed from one-size-fits-all field days to specific roles shaped around each volunteer’s skills and experience. Here's your official invitation to join the community of passionate and talented volunteers today!

The future of conservation starts here

The next generation of conservationists is more diverse, more climate-aware, and more determined to be part of the solution. Teen-focused programs like Conservation Council are helping equip them with the tools, access, and confidence to lead and envision a greener, more equitable future.