Community Education
Walks, Talks & 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 that all in-person outings follow current Sonoma County health orders and guidelines for group activities to keep everyone safe during COVID-19. 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 Educational Resources page or on our YouTube channel.
October
Twilled Cattail Mat
With Charlie Kennard
Saturday, October 7, 2023 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
$120.Pre-registration required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Join us as we spend a day working with cattail in the peaceful setting of the Laguna Education Center. We will make plaited table mats based on a central Mexican technique for rodilleros, mats for kneeling on when grinding corn at home. When new, the cattail has a delightful grassy scent, and a muted variable green color. In the photograph, the greenish mat is a rodillero. This workshop involves much banging with a rock to flatten the weaving, so expect a noisy day!
Participants must bring scissors, water bowl, house-painting brush, and 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.
Presented in partnership with:
Fall Bird Walk at the Laguna De Santa Rosa
With Teresa and Miles Tuffli
Saturday, October 7, 2023 8:30 am – 11:30 am
FREE! Pre-registration required.
Location: Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail 6303 Hwy. 12 Santa Rosa, CA 95472
Join Teresa and Miles Tuffli for a fall birding walk exploring the Laguna de Santa Rosa trail. We’ll slowly meander along the mostly flat trail as it winds through open oak savannah, grasslands, riparian woodlands, marshes, and perhaps a pond if time allows. Fall is a terrific time to visit the Laguna -- we'll be on the lookout for the high variety of birds who make the area their home for the fall and winter months. All levels of birding experience are welcome! We'll discuss a variety of topics, such as: getting the most out of your binoculars, techniques for locating birds, what sorts of details to notice when observing a bird, species identification, bird vocalizations, and bird behavior and habitats.
NOTE: Though we’ll be walking slowly, for those with mobility issues, please be aware that we will be on unpaved trails and some slight inclines. Depending on recent rainfall, the trail maybe muddy. We’ll meet at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trailhead parking lot on the Highway 12 side (NOT the Occidental Road side), located at 6303 CA-12, Santa Rosa, CA 95409.
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
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.
California Native Plants Sale and Open House
Saturday, October 14, 2023 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 this autumnal change 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, “Sonoma County Landscape” paintings by Charles Beck.
We are proud to offer this event in collaboration with our local CNPS partners. Thank you for supporting our combined plant sale and open house, while nurturing local wildlife habitat in your own backyard.
Please note the following: The gate will open promptly at 10:00 am, please do not come early. No dogs allowed onsite and we do not allow animals to be left in vehicles, as shady parking spots are not available. If you buy plants, please bring your own box to take them home with you.
Event volunteers are needed! Please email: volunteer@lagunafoundation.org to lend a hand and help support this annual fundraiser – thank you!
Presented in partnership with:
Fall Bird Walk at the Laguna De Santa Rosa
With Teresa and Miles Tuffli
Saturday, October 15, 2023 8:30 am – 11:30 am
FREE! Pre-registration required.
Location: Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail 6303 Hwy. 12 Santa Rosa, CA 95472
Join Teresa and Miles Tuffli for a fall birding walk exploring the Laguna de Santa Rosa trail. We’ll slowly meander along the mostly flat trail as it winds through open oak savannah, grasslands, riparian woodlands, marshes, and perhaps a pond if time allows. Fall is a terrific time to visit the Laguna -- we'll be on the lookout for the high variety of birds who make the area their home for the fall and winter months. All levels of birding experience are welcome! We'll discuss a variety of topics, such as: getting the most out of your binoculars, techniques for locating birds, what sorts of details to notice when observing a bird, species identification, bird vocalizations, and bird behavior and habitats.
NOTE: Though we’ll be walking slowly, for those with mobility issues, please be aware that we will be on unpaved trails and some slight inclines. Depending on recent rainfall, the trail maybe muddy. We’ll meet at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trailhead parking lot on the Highway 12 side (NOT the Occidental Road side), located at 6303 CA-12, Santa Rosa, CA 95409.
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
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.
FRIDAY EVENING
Acorn MusEcology Project presents Side by Side: Songs in Conversation
Friday, October 20, 2023. 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
$20 $25 $30 (Sliding Scale) Pre-registration required.
Location: Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Directed by Sarah Dupre, the Acorn MusEcology Project is 20-voice choral ensemble sharing music that explores our collective role as caretakers in our relationship with the Earth, with our animal and plant brethren, and living systems—toward the rediscovery, healing, and reimagining of a vibrant planet beyond our own time. In our 2023 fall concert series, we pair songs sharing a common subject or lyricist, with original and selected settings of poems by Kim Stafford, Kathleen Lynch, Jane Kenyon, Dana Gioia, and Terry Tempest Williams. Join us for a musical conversation featuring magpies and marsh grasses, foxes and field mice, toy pianos and whale songs.
The program (one hour-fifteen minutes, with no intermission) will be preceded by complementary refreshments and sunset colors on the beautiful Heron Hall patio overlooking the Laguna.
Learn more at acornsings.com
SATURDAY MATINEE
Acorn MusEcology Project presents Side by Side: Songs in Conversation
Saturday, October 21, 2023. 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
$20 $25 $30 (Sliding Scale) Pre-registration required.
Location: Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Directed by Sarah Dupre, the Acorn MusEcology Project is 20-voice choral ensemble sharing music that explores our collective role as caretakers in our relationship with the Earth, with our animal and plant brethren, and living systems—toward the rediscovery, healing, and reimagining of a vibrant planet beyond our own time. In our 2023 fall concert series, we pair songs sharing a common subject or lyricist, with original and selected settings of poems by Kim Stafford, Kathleen Lynch, Jane Kenyon, Dana Gioia, and Terry Tempest Williams. Join us for a musical conversation featuring magpies and marsh grasses, foxes and field mice, toy pianos and whale songs.
The program (one hour-fifteen minutes, with no intermission) will be preceded by complementary refreshments and sunset colors on the beautiful Heron Hall patio overlooking the Laguna.
Learn more at acornsings.com
Laguna Stewards: October Vernal Pools
Saturday, October 21, 2023. 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
FREE. Pre-registration required.
Location: TBD
Help endangered species, connect with other members of the community and learn alongside your friends through our vernal pool stewardship!
Join us this October as we go steward and learn about vernal pools! These unique ecosystems are found in the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed and host many threatened and endangered species found only in Sonoma County. Our conservation and restoration team will lead us in everything from raking and removing thatch, to preparing for planting endangered Sebastopol Meadowfoam seeds. Our education and restoration staff will also share some insight about the environmental field and the vast work the organization does as a whole.
PLEASE NOTE: All in-person outings follow current Sonoma County health orders and guidelines for group activities. Please let us know in advance if you can no longer attend so we can offer a spot to someone on the waitlist. Heavy smoke, excessive heat or heavy rain cancels.
Foothill Yellow-legged Frog
Photo by Jeff Alvarez
Foothill Yellow-legged Frog Ecology & Conservation Workshop
With Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez
Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28, 2023
$300. Registration required.Sold out, waitlist is open.
Lecture Location: Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Field Trip Location: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, Ca.This workshop is designed to provide practical knowledge on the life history, ecology and conservation of the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog (FYLF). This frog protected under the California Endangered Species Act and has been petitioned for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The Friday morning lecture will review identification features at frog life stages and similar species, 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. Personal transportation is required to the field trip. Carpooling is encouraged.Schedule
Lecture and Lunch: Friday, October 27, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Field Trip Session 1: Friday, October 27, 1:30 – 5:00 pm
Field Trip Session 2: Saturday, October 28, 8:00 am – 11:30 am
Field Trip Session 3: Saturday, October 28, 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
*There are three field trip sessions. Each participant will attend one field trip session.[ top ]
November
Tule Twined Basket
With Charlie Kennard
Saturday, November 4, 2023. 9:30 am – 3:30 pm.
$120. Pre-registration required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Learn how to weave a basket with this amazing native wetland plant! Join us this October as we go steward and learn about vernal pools! Each student will make a lightweight basket of tule reed, using several different weaves. The basket will be suitable for storing nuts, onions, socks, or anything else you need to tidy up!
Participants must bring scissors, water bowl, and 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.
Oh, I Wish I Had My Camera - HEY, YOU DO!
With Susan and Neil Silverman
Saturday, November 11, 2023. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
$110. Pre-registration required.
Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
What inspires you to take a picture? Is it natural beauty, a bizarre moment, a quirky expression, an adorable child, or your dog at the beach? No matter what sparks your motivation to “click,” your photographs represent what is significant in your life. And while we don’t all have the $5,000 camera we feel we deserve, we always have our phones, with their own amazing cameras, on or around us!
Through lecture, demonstrations and discussions we will go over: Gaining control over your camera with basic settings, compositional considerations such as exposure, focus, shutter speeds, choice of lenses, panoramic, close up photography, portraits, filters, and videos. All the fun stuff PLUS some great apps for fine tuning your images and turning on your creativity. And we can all go out and about to capture the Laguna with our phone cameras! After practicing with our phones or tablets (iPads, iPhones, or Android devices) we will return to Heron Hall to review, share, and discuss.
As a husband-and-wife team, Susan & Neil Silverman have been “captured” with photography for over 25 years – teaching, leading workshops, and working professionally in many venues. They have taught for the Kelby Photo Conferences, Gualala Arts Center, Santa Rosa Junior College, Pacific Northwest Art School, Point Reyes Field Institute, Great American Photography Workshop (GAPW), and Better Photo, as well as many photo clubs and organizations. Their work has been published both nationally and internationally. Sharing knowledge, experiences and camaraderie is as important as “getting the shot.” Go and visit their website at silvermansphotography.com
Philosophy: The arrival of the phone cameras has brought photography to an all-new playing field. Creating memories, art, visual adventures can now be experienced by the most inexperienced photographer. We believe that quality dominates over quantity and by understanding both the technical choices and the artistic compositional elements will bring your iPhone photos to a STANDING OVATION.
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December
Fall Color Play: Leaves, Berries, Fruit
With Nina Antze
Saturday, December 9, 2023. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
$60. Pre-registration required.
Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Let’s get together and observe and draw the change of seasons. Fall into winter at the Laguna Education Center where we will be observing: rose hips, changing leaf color, flowers, fruits, seed pods, and other last vestiges of Autumn. Working with colored pencils, learn to create interesting browns and grays and combine colors using blending and layering techniques, incorporating the basics of botanical drawing while enjoying the warmth of Heron Hall. All levels welcome.
A specific supply list will be provided, but generally you will want good quality colored pencils – Prismacolors, Lyra Rembrandt, Faber-Castell, Caran d’Ache Pablos or Luminance are best. Crayola or Prang are hard and will not give you good color. Nina recommends buying the pencils individually. Faber-Castell has an inexpensive student line called Goldfaber.
Nina Antze is a Sonoma County botanical artist and quiltmaker. She has a degree in Fine Art from San Francisco State and a Certificate in Botanical Illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. She teaches colored pencil and botanical workshops online and throughout the Bay Area. Her Shelter in Place quilt #5 was recently chosen for inclusion in the deYoung Open 23.
Visit Nina's website to learn more about her work.
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For more information, contact Carlos Barragan, Environmental Educator
(707) 527-9277 xt. 110 or by email at Carlos.Barragan@LagunaFoundation.org[ top ]
. Banner Image by Gary Hundt
