Community Education
Walks, Talks, and Classes
The Laguna Foundation is proud to collaborate with local biologists, artists, educators, naturalists, and partner organizations to offer a wide range of natural and cultural history online programs, presentations, and outings all year long. Whether you’d like to learn a new skill, enjoy the beautiful Laguna scenery, or attend a fun event with your family, the Laguna Foundation has 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.
Please note: Heavy smoke, excessive heat, or heavy rain cancels outdoor programs. Lastly, please let us know in advance if you can no longer attend an outing so we can offer a spot to someone on the wait-list.
Select webinar recordings can be found on our YouTube channel.
For more information, contact Ashley Carreño, Education Coordinator, at (707) 527-9277 xt. 108 or by email
October
California Native Plants Sale and Open House
Offered in Partnership with the California Native Plant Society, Milo Baker Chapter
Saturday, October 12, 2024. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
FREE. No RSVP Needed.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Planting season for California native plant gardens is here! Celebrate autumn at the Laguna Environmental Center (LEC) while learning about California native plants. Shop for new additions to your garden in our shared nursery with the Milo Baker Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) then join us in the LEC landscape at 11:00 am or 12:00 pm for a guided walk in our native plant demonstration garden. It will also be a great opportunity to see the new Heron Hall art exhibit, “Flora of the Laguna” by a group of colored pencil artists.
We are proud to offer this event in collaboration with our local CNPS partners. Thank you for supporting this plant sale and open house, while nurturing local wildlife habitat in your own backyard.
Presented in Partnership With:
Preparemos un Jabón Natural de Lavanda Taller
Miércoles, 16 de Octubre, de 10:00 am – 11:30 am
GRATIS. Se requiere registro.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
¿Te gustaría aprender a hacer tu propio jabón natural de lavanda? ¡Únase a la Fundación Laguna De Santa Rosa y en collaboraion con La Plaza: Nuestra Cultura Cura (NCC) donde aprenderás paso a paso cómo hacer jabón natural de lavanda utilizando ingredientes simples y naturales. Además, podrás llevar a casa tu propio jabón hecho por ti mismo. ¡No te lo pierdas! para disfrutar de un trabajo de jabón natural divertido y educativo!
Nuestra instructora Ángeles Quiones es la coordinadora de desarrollo comunitario en La Plaza NCC . Su misión es promover la salud y el bienestar de todos los participantes con un enfoque en las comunidades latinas. Esta clase de fabricación de jabón fomenta el uso de productos ecológicos y no tóxicos, que son mejores para la salud personal y el medio ambiente. A través de nuestros esfuerzos conjuntos, nuestro objetivo es crear un estilo de vida saludable para todos los involucrados, asegurando que cuidamos el medio ambiente que nos rodea mientras nos cuidamos a nosotros mismos.
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Natural Soap-Making Class – THIS CLASS WILL BE TAUGHT IN SPANISH
Wednesday, October 16, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:30 am
FREE. Registration required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Would you like to know how to make your own soap? Join Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation and collaborating partners La Plaza: Nuestra Cultura Cura (NCC) , where you’ll learn step by step how to make natural lavender soaps using natural and simple ingredients. In addition, you will be able to take home your own soap made by yourself! Don’t miss out!
Our Instructor Angeles Quiones is the Community Development Coordinator at La Plaza NCC. Their mission is promote the health and well-being of all participants with a focus on Latine communites. This soap making class encourages the use of eco-friendly and non-toxic products, which are better for personal health and the environment. Through our joint efforts, we aim to create a healthy lifestyle for all involved, ensuring that we take for the environment around us while taking care of ourselves.
Presented in Partnership With:
Mysteries of the Night: A Full Moon Night Hike
With Jesse Schmieg
Friday, October 18, 2024. 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
FREE. Registration required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Join us for a family-friendly adventure under the full moon as we explore the wonders of the Laguna de Santa Rosa at night! This hike is perfect for nature lovers of all ages, offering a chance to discover the fascinating nocturnal wildlife that comes alive after dark.
We’ll delve into the mysterious lives of nocturnal predators, and visit bat and owl boxes where we might spot these helpful nighttime hunters in action. As we walk, we’ll discuss how the full moon influences the behavior of animals—from mammals to amphibians to insects—shedding light on their fascinating adaptations to the lunar cycle.
Along the way, we’ll try light-fishing for insects, using lights to attract and observe these nocturnal critters up close. With the full moon guiding our path, this hike promises to be an exciting and educational experience for the whole family. Bring your flashlight and sense of adventure for an unforgettable evening!
Jesse Schmieg is a vernal pool community ecologist and herpetologist, currently pursuing a master's degree at Sonoma State University. Their research focuses on predation dynamics between predaceous diving beetles and California Tiger Salamanders. Jesse has participated in a variety of amphibian research projects, including conducting nocturnal surveys of California red-legged frogs, foothill yellow-legged frogs, and California giant salamanders. In their role as the graduate assistant at Sonoma State's Fairfield Osborn Preserve, Jesse trains new naturalists who lead classroom presentations and educational tours for elementary school students to educate local children about the ecology and natural history of Sonoma County. Additionally, they serve as a naturalist with the Laguna Foundation at Camp Tule, where they guide children ages 6-12 in nature-related activities during the summer.
There is no charge for this event, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter sales tax.
Presented in Partnership With:
Laguna Stewards at at Haroutunian South
Saturday, October 19, 2024. 9:00 am – Noon
FREE. Registration required.Location: Haroutunian South, 200 Scenic Ave, Santa Rosa, CA
Join us for Laguna Stewards day, a fun and meaningful way to volunteer while enjoying the outdoors. We will be meeting at Harotunian South, home to a couple of endangered vernal pool species. This is a unique opportunity to visit the Ag + Open Space owned 21-acre preserve which is normally not open to the public. This is a great way to get to know your community while stewarding this amazing site through invasive species control and other habitat management strategies. We have work for everyone, all ages invited so bring a friend or bring the kids!
We suggest wearing long pants, closed toe shoes and sun protection. Bring a water bottle, a smile and some elbow grease; we’ll bring the tools, snacks, and fun facts about vernal pools. Only heavy rain cancels.
PLEASE NOTE: All ages are welcome! No experience is necessary; tools and training are provided.
Funding support by the State Coastal Conservancy, through the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68).
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Laguna Stewards en Haroutunian South
Sábado 19 de Octubre, de 9:00 am a Mediodía
GRATIS. Se requiere registro.Ubicación: Haroutunian South, 200 Scenic Ave, Santa Rosa, CA
Únase a nosotros para el día de Laguna Stewards, una forma divertida y significativa de ser voluntario mientras disfruta del aire libre. Nos reuniremos en Harotunian South, es hogar de unas plantas que están en peligro de extinción. Esta es una oportunidad única para visitar la reserva de 21-acres. Es propiedad de Ag y Open Space que normalmente no está abierta al público. Esta es una excelente manera de conocer a su comunidad mientras atender a este increíble sitio mediante el control de especies invasoras y otras estrategias para atender al hábitat. Tenemos trabajo para todos, invitamos a todas las edades, ¡así que traiga a un amigo o traiga a los niños!
Sugerimos usar pantalones largos, zapatos cerrados y protección solar. Traiga una botella de agua, una sonrisa y un poco de esfuerzo; Traeremos las herramientas, bocadillos, y datos curiosos sobre las piscinas primaverales. Solamente cancelamos el día durante lluvias fuertes.
TENGA EN CUENTA: ¡Todas las edades son bienvenidas! No se necesita experiencia; Se proporcionan herramientas y capacitación.
Apoyo financiero de State Coastal Conservancy, a través de la Ley de Sequía, Agua, Parques, Clima, Protección Costera y Acceso al Aire Libre para Todos de California de 2018 (Proposición 68).
Presented in Partnership With:
Fall Birding at Foothill Regional Park
With Miles and Teresa Tuffli
Saturday, October 26, 2024. 8:30 am – 11:00 am
FREE. Registration Required.Location: Foothill Regional Park, 1351 Arata Ln, Windsor, CA
Join Teresa and Miles Tuffli for a fall birding walk exploring Foothill Regional Park in Windsor. We’ll explore the oak woodlands, rolling hillsides, grasslands, and ponds of this beautiful park by walking slowly and pausing frequently to observe and discuss the bird life. Fall is a wonderful time to go birdwatching in Sonoma County – we'll be on the lookout for the variety of birds who make the area their home for the fall and winter months. Let's explore another area of the Laguna Watershed!
All levels of birding experience are welcome! We'll touch on a variety of topics, such as getting the most out of your binoculars, techniques for locating birds, what details to notice when observing a bird, species identification, bird vocalizations, and bird behavior and habitats.
NOTE: We will be covering up to 2 miles on foot. Though we’ll be walking slowly, for those with mobility issues, please be aware that there will be some elevation gain and we'll be on unpaved trails. Depending on recent rainfall, the trails may be muddy.
Miles and Teresa Tuffli are avid birders from Sonoma County. They especially enjoy helping fellow nature-lovers and “bird-curious” folks take the next step of getting into the field to enjoy the bird world! They’ve led guided bird walks for the Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival, LandPaths, Marin Audubon Society, and Point Reyes National Seashore Association’s Field Institute. Learn more about them at their website and blog, I'm Birding Right Now
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November
This event is FULL. Please join the waitlist.
Lisa Rogers’ EcoPrint with Leaves
Saturday, November 2, 2024. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
$90.00 Registration Required. This class is limited to 10 participants!Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
This workshop will cover different techniques, including tannins and iron and pounding leaf prints on paper, Hapa Zome. We will take a 45 minute lunch break while pieces simmer away. Participants will create their leaf print designs on a pre-mordanted silk piece. It can be used as a scarf, runner or wall hanging. This piece measures approximately 11" X 60”.
No materials or experience needed. Workshop fee includes all necessary materials and instruction.
Instructor Bio: Lisa Rogers is the creator and owner of SlowDigz. She previously worked as a science and garden educator and began following a creative path with natural dyeing. Lisa learned about ecoprinting, printing leaves on fabric and paper, over a decade ago. She fell in love with the process of obtaining prints from nature, which sparked a fire that led to over a decade of experimentation and research through books, workshops and numerous fails. Leaving full time teaching, this passion became the small business, SlowDigz, Eco Designs, where Lisa shares her passion and love of nature through botanical prints.
Native Plant Garden Volunteer Day
Friday, November 8, 2024. 9:00 am – Noon
FREE. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Share your passion for pollinators by helping our native plant garden thrive! Volunteers are essential in beautifying our site. Activities include planting, weeding, spreading wood chips, and... looking for Monarchs on milkweed!
No experience necessary, just a willingness to learn about native plants. Training and tools will be provided, plus abundant and hearty snacks! Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Only heavy rain cancels.
This event is FULL. Please join the waitlist.
Foothill Yellow-legged Frog Ecology & Conservation Workshop
With Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez
Friday, November 15, and Saturday, November 16, 2024
$325. Registration required.
Lecture Location: Laguna Environmental Center, Heron Hall, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Field Trip Location: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452This workshop is designed to provide practical knowledge on the life history, ecology, and conservation of the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog (FYLF). This frog is listed as either threatened or endangered under the federal and California Endangered Species Acts throughout much of its range.
The Friday morning lecture will review identification of FYLF at all life stages and other similar amphibians, range and distribution, habitat requirements, behavior, survey techniques, conservation needs, and regulations. An accompanying field trip will be held at a nearby creek and known site of FYLF. Aquatic habitat types will be discussed and a demonstration of survey techniques provided.
Instructor Bio: Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez are experts on amphibian and reptile ecology and conservation, conduct herpetological research, and hold state and federal permits for sensitive species.
Schedule:
Friday, November 15
8:00 am - 12:30 pm, Lecture and Lunch at Laguna Environmental Center
1:30 pm - 5:00 pm, Field Trip Session 1* at Sugarloaf Ridge State ParkSaturday, November 16
8:00 am - 11:30 am, Field Trip Session 2* at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
12:30 pm - 4:00 pm, Field Trip Session 3* at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park*The larger lecture group is split into three field trip session groups. Each field trip session will cover the same material. Choose one field trip session to attend when you register. Personal transportation is required. Carpooling is encouraged.
Knotless Netting Bag Workshop
With Charlie Kennard
Saturday, November 23, 2024. 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
$120. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Join this fun class and learn a new skill! We will first practice processing dogbane sticks to extract the fiber and make sample cordage. Then we will learn the knotless netting technique and begin a small bag using hemp string supplied by the instructor.
Participants must bring scissors, a pocket knife, and their lunch.
Charlie Kennard of San Anselmo is a long-time basket weaver and student of California Indian and other Traditional Basketry techniques. He has taught for the Point Reyes Field Institute, East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, the Laguna Environmental Center in Santa Rosa and in many schools and at teacher trainings. Tule boats made in his workshops can be seen at the Bay Model in Sausalito, Lake County Museum, and another is in the collection of the Oakland Museum. You can also visit a basketry plant garden Charlie has created at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross. Charlie is active in native habitat restoration in Marin, managing several projects for Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed.
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December
Native Plant Garden Volunteer Day
Friday, December 6, 2024. 9:00 am – Noon
FREE. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Share your passion for pollinators by helping our native plant garden thrive! Volunteers are essential in beautifying our site. Activities include planting, weeding, spreading wood chips, and... looking for Monarchs on milkweed!
No experience necessary, just a willingness to learn about native plants. Training and tools will be provided, plus abundant and hearty snacks! Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Only heavy rain cancels.[ top ]
For more information, contact Ashley Carreño, Education Coordinator
(707) 527-9277 xt. 108 or by email
. Banner Image by Gary Hundt
