About This Event
PLEASE NOTE: Due to high demand and limited space, only one registration per person is allowed.
Event Name: Van Hoosear Wildflower Walk
Event Date: April 4, 5:00-7:30 pm
Meeting Location: Meeting point will be provided upon confirmation. From the meeting point, participants will caravan to the preserve promptly at the start time so please arrive at least 10 minutes early.
Cost: FREE
Event Lead: Caitlin Cornwall
Event Lead Contact: [email protected]
Difficulty: Moderate (uneven terrain and mostly no trail, tall grass and short but steep elevation gain at the entrance).
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended), hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water and snacks, binoculars and a field guide (optional but encouraged).
Join Sonoma Ecology Center and Sonoma County Ag + Open Space for our annual spring hikes at Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve, a stunning 162-acre protected area renowned for its incredible biodiversity and vibrant wildflower displays. This exclusive opportunity allows participants to experience one of Sonoma Valley’s most treasured landscapes, guided by expert naturalists from the Sonoma Ecology Center.
Each spring, the rolling grasslands of Van Hoosear burst into a spectacular display of native wildflowers including California poppies, lupines, buttercups, shooting stars, and owl’s clover. Our guided hikes offer a chance to learn about the preserve’s unique landscape, diverse plant communities, and the role of conservation in protecting these ecosystems.
Along the way, our naturalists will share insights into the preserve’s history and ongoing restoration efforts, as well as the importance of pollinators, native plants, and watershed health. Wildlife sightings are common, with opportunities to observe birds, butterflies, and other native species in their natural habitat.
There is no charge for this outing, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax. Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve is permanently protected under a conservation easement made possible by the voter-approved Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (Ag + Open Space) and the California Wildlife Conservation Board. Sonoma Ecology Center manages Van Hoosear Preserve through a partnership with the landowner.
