Restoration & Conservation
Erosion Hunters
Sonoma County Regional Parks and the Laguna Foundation are working together to restore the unique pygmy forest found in the serpentine soils at Hood Mountain Regional Park.
The minerals in serpentine soils create a particularly challenging growing environment for plants; many species cannot grow at all in this soil and those that are able to adapt must tolerate extreme conditions such as low amounts of calcium and high amounts of magnesium. These conditions often result in stunted growth such as seen in the forest's Sargent's cypress. One advantage to this soil type is that while a diverse mix of native species have evolved to tolerate the conditions, non-native species have not been able to invade it.
In 2017, the Nuns Fire went through the pygmy forest. Well-adapted to fire, native plants reemerged almost immediately with the exception of the area within the bulldozer lines created to stop the fire. Since then, we have collected seeds to help regrowth in the bulldozer lines. The seeds have now grown into seedlings and we are ready to plant them to help control erosion.
Read more about this important project in our July issue of e-News.
Community Education
Walks, Talks, and Classes
Whether you’d like to learn a new skill, enjoy the beautiful Laguna scenery, or attend a fun event with your family,we offer a variety of offerings to deepen your appreciation for the Laguna de Santa Rosa, connect with nature, and inspire a vibrant community dedicated to lifelong learning.
Our Wild Watershed: Rattlesnakes
Zoom presentation with Dr. Emily Taylor
Wed., Aug. 18, 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Watershed Perspectives: The Unseen Biodiversity of Alpha Farm
Guided Walk with Denise Cadman
Sat., Sept. 11, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Laguna Wetland Geology Through Time
Zoom Presentation with Nicole Myers
Wed., Sept. 15, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Workshops for BiologistsAmphibians of the SF Bay Area |
Around the Watershed
Our Response To COVID-19
The Laguna Environmental Center will remain closed to the public until further notice. We hope to welcome you back soon.
While our staff continues to work from home, we can best be reached by email.
