Cure cabin fever by stepping out in nature. From whale watching adventures to family hikes, these events take place rain or shine.
Bill and Dave Shiloh Ranch Hike, Windsor, Feb. 16: Seasoned hikers Bill Myers and Dave Chalk will take attendees on a 6.5-mile double-loop hike through the oak woodlands of Shiloh Ranch Regional Park while exploring how the landscape is regenerating after the October 2017 wildfires. Hikers will meet at the park entrance at 9:45 a.m. and depart promptly at 10 a.m. Bill and Dave hike rain or shine, so be sure to wear layered clothing and appropriate shoes. Also, don’t forget your lunch, water and $7 parking fee. More info here.
Shiloh Regional Park after the October 2017 wildfires. (Shutterstock)
Garden Stewards, Santa Rosa, Feb. 16: Join the Community Soil Foundation and get your hands dirty tending the earth at Maddux Ranch Regional Park. By volunteering in this coordinated community effort, attendees will learn about biodynamic gardening through composting, native habitat restoration and harvesting winter greens. Prepare to get dirty and help improve the park’s soil fertility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More info here. (Shutterstock)
Family Hikes, Santa Rosa, Feb. 16: Take your family on a free, one-mile hike around Spring Lake Regional Park to learn about the park’s plant and animal life. Join Spring Lake’s Environmental Discovery Center to participate in a citizen science project along these educational walks starting at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. More info here. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Wildlife Recovery & Rebirth, Glen Ellen, Feb. 23: Explore how Sonoma Valley Regional Park has regenerated after the October 2017 fires and learn about the benefits of fire in an oak woodland ecosystem. Hikers are encouraged to bring a bag lunch to enjoy on the curvy, oak-lined trails as they learn about nature rebounding after wildfires, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. More info here. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Trees over the main trail at Sonoma Valley Regional Park in Glen Ellen were blackened by the October 2017 wildfires. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Whale Watching Adventure, Gualala, Feb. 23: Grab your binoculars and coat and head to Gualala Point Regional Park to witness the annual whale migration off the Sonoma Coast. Starting at the visitor’s center at 11 a.m., the guided two-mile round trip hike will take you toward the bluffs where you can spot whales breaching the ocean waters. More info here. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Outdoor Skills: Building a Campfire, Healdsburg, Feb. 23: Kids aged 7-13 can join ranger Darren Davis at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach to learn how to safely build a campfire using various materials and techniques. After using helpful tips and tricks to build a crackling fire, attendees can reward themselves with a sweet roasted treat. The outing is from 3:30-5 p.m. and costs $5. More info here. (Shutterstock)
Winging It Wednesdays, Petaluma, Feb. 27: Traverse the open grasslands of Tolay Lake Regional Park with fellow community members to enjoy nature and go birdwatching in a leisurely setting that accommodates all ages, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. The park has a variety of wildlife to keep an eye out for, such as golden eagles, burrowing owls and other birds of prey. Carpooling is encouraged to these birdwatching outings, hosted on the last Wednesday of each month at various regional parks. More info here. (Photo by Robbi Pengelly)
It’s pouring down pretty much every day and all you want to do is hibernate. Now, we have nothing against watching Netflix in bed, but sometimes even a movie buff or TV-series feen can get a case of cabin fever. The cure? Stepping out in nature. So put on those rain boots and water-resistant coat, and check out these local outdoor events happening (rain or shine) this month. As the Scandinavian saying goes, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.”
