Community Events 2018 - 2019
January | February | March | AprilClick here to review our cancellation policy
January 2019
From Climate to Creatures: The State of the Ocean off Northern California
Presentation with Dr. Jeffrey Dorman, Executive Director, Farallon Institute
Thursday, January 17, 7:00-8:30pm
Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
~This presentation is full. ~ Click the "Register Now" button below to join the waitlist.The Laguna de Santa Rosa is the largest tributary to the Russian River, which flows into the sea at Jenner near Bodega. The Laguna is connected in many ways to the ocean. This “State of the Ocean” science talk is an informational and inspirational presentation on the latest scientific understanding of the ocean. The talk will cover pertinent and timely topics of ocean issues that are both of global interest and that directly impact our northern California waters. Globally, we will explore the impact of plastic in the oceans and the myriad of ways that climate change is changing ocean ecosystems. Regionally, we will understand how current and past ocean conditions have led us to local fishery closures and explore what kind of ocean ecosystem we can expect in the future. Join us for this evening presentation and discussion. Hot drinks and light snacks will be provided.
Dr. Jeffrey Dorman is a Principal Scientist and the Executive Director of the Farallon Institute for Advanced Ecosystem Research. Jeff's research interests center around biological productivity of the California Current and how climate changes might impact future productivity. Much of that work has been focused on understanding the importance of krill in the California Current and discovering what drives changes in their populations. His research experience includes field sampling of zooplankton off northern California as part of the CoOP:WEST program and physical and biological modeling of the California Current ecosystem while working with the Farallon Institute.
The Farallon Institute is a non-profit scientific organization dedicated to the understanding and preservation of healthy marine ecosystems. Its research is designed to provide the scientific basis for ecosystem-based management practices and policy reforms consistent with a productive marine world.
“California’s Wild Gold” Mixed Media Nature Tapestries by Faith Rumm
Opening Reception for NEW Heron Hall Art Exhibit
Saturday, January 19, 3:00–5:00pm
Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
FREE. No RSVP necessary.These large collaged tapestries are a joyful celebration of the abundance of life and biodiversity found in California. They are created from illustrations that were originally commissioned for displays in California state parks and various protected areas. They invite the viewer to enjoy the proliferation of life and also to reflect upon the true nature and meaning of ‘wealth.’ Gold is associated with wealth, and gold is associated with California. Literally and metaphorically, it is that which makes us rich. In California, the 1850s gold rush brought hordes of people from all over the world. A few people got rich, but it has since been obvious that the true wealth of this vast state comes from the abundance of life, natural resources, and fertile soil. If life, land and natural abundance are true wealth, then how do we integrate our vast numbers, our insatiable appetite for land and development? How do we protect the future? What is to become of California's Wild Gold?
Artist Faith Rumm has been involved in interpretive art and design for decades. This pursuit began in her 20s working for the National Park system and as an interpretive forest and wilderness ranger. Founded in 2003, Faith's business, RummStudio, specializes in interpretive exhibits for parks and protected areas. Some of the works in this exhibit come from displays created especially for the Laguna Foundation. We encourage you to see more of her work online at https://faithrumm.com/
Winter Colors: Branches, Leaves, and Winter Fruit
Colored Pencil Techniques workshop with Nina Antze
Saturday, January 26, 10:00am-3:00pm
Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
$95. Pre-registration required.
~This workshop is full. ~ Click the "Register Now" button below to join the waitlist.Let’s get together and explore the textures, markings, and colors of winter branches, dying leaves, acorns, dried berries and other last vestiges of the season along with any signs of emerging spring. Learn ways to use lots of color to create interesting browns and grays, and even greens, while enjoying the warmth of Heron Hall. We will cover blending, layering and burnishing techniques while incorporating the basics of botanical drawing. All levels welcome. Suitable for 12 year olds and up (children under 15 must be accompanied by a parent). Participants bring their own lunch and art supplies (a supply list will be provided). Hot drinks and light snacks will be provided throughout the day.
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 throughout the Bay Area. Learn more about Nina at her website.
New Rescheduled Date (Cancelled in November due to poor air quality.)
Expressive Nature Photography in the Laguna Watershed
Workshop with Brenda Tharp
Sunday, January 27, 9:00am-5:00pm
Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
~This workshop is full. ~ Click the "Register Now" button below to join the waitlist.Winter is a great time to capture the drama of nature! Join us in an educational and inspirational photography workshop conducted by local Brenda Tharp, and learn how to create more expressive photographs of nature. We’ll begin at Heron Hall with a visual presentation of key concepts that can help make a picture stronger, including discussions on learning to see, composing for maximum impact, creating visual depth, choosing the best shutter or aperture, interpreting vs. recording the scene, and how to use special in-camera techniques to create impressionistic effects. We’ll carpool to another site or two within the Laguna watershed to explore and apply what was covered in class (locations will depend on conditions at the time). This small class (max 15 participants) is appropriate for ages 17 and up. Registrants should have a working knowledge of photography basics and of their camera gear. This workshop will take place rain or shine.
A locally-based nature, wildlife and travel photographer, Brenda Tharp spends as much time as possible outdoors, photographing the beauty of nature and the world around her. "I’m in awe of what I discover out there,” she says. Passionate about nature and teaching, she has written three photo books, her latest being "Expressive Nature Photography.” Brenda leads workshops and tours throughout the USA, as well as internationally. Her images have been used widely in magazines, books, and brochures. More information can be found at Brenda Tharp. Her continually expanding collection of fine art prints is available here. Brenda’s photography exhibit, With Awe and Wonder: A Celebration of Nature’s Beauty was on display in Heron Hall September 4 through December 21, 2018.
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February 2019
Fresh Pressed Flowers
Workshop with Jan Lochner
Sunday, February 3, 2019 1:00-4:00pm
Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
$35. Pre-registration required. Suitable for ages 8+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult).In this make-and-take workshop, local gardener and Laguna Foundation volunteer, Jan Lochner will share the simplicity and beauty of the art of pressing flowers. Jan will demonstrate techniques she uses to press and use flowers. We will make various useful items, from bookmarks and cards to window ornaments and refrigerator magnets. All workshop materials and supplies are provided. Participants need only bring an open creative spirit and a smile. Join us for this fun, hands-on and informative workshop as Jan shares her secrets of pressing flowers in hopes that you will continue to enjoy this easy and enjoyable art process on your own.
Jan Lochner has been creating notecards from pressed flowers as a hobby for 25 years. She uses color, shape, and texture on fine quality paper, making each hand-made card unique. Her home in Sebastopol is her workshop with the dining room table seldom clear and kitchen cupboards filled with bags and boxes of flowers that she collects from her garden and other local sources.
Orientation for Learning Laguna Docent Training
Monday, February 11, 6:00-8:00pm
Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
FREE. Please RSVP.Expand and share your love of nature and nurture the next generation of naturalists! Docents lead groups of school children in the Learning Laguna program, a two-part wetland education experience for 2nd-4th grade students. Docents visit classrooms with specially designed, engaging activities, and then lead those students on an experiential field trip to the Laguna the following week. The Learning Laguna program serves over 1,300 students in schools throughout the watershed each year.
Experts in biology, natural history, and environmental education train Learning Laguna Docents in lively classes and field trips. Training sessions include presentations, discussion, and hands-on practice with Learning Laguna activities, and field trips to special Laguna locations. This 9-week training course consists of 11 classes held on Monday mornings and Tuesday evenings at the Laguna Environmental Center (March 12 - May 6, 2019). Docent training is approximately 50 hours and includes observation time spent in elementary classrooms and on school field trips to put all the learning into context.
The fee for training is $145. Trainees receive a binder with reading and reference material that is closely tied with the theme of each classroom session. This fee helps to offset the costs of running the training and materials, plus a one year membership to the Laguna Foundation. A small number of partial scholarships are available.
Seed to Table: How to Process and Eat Acorns of the Laguna Watershed
Workshop with Zoe Minervini-Zick and Dylan Gearheart
Sunday, February 17, 1:00-4:00pm
Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
$40. Pre-registration required.Have you ever thought about eating acorns? How would you process it? What kind of foods can you make with acorns? Here's your opportunity to try it in this hands-on workshop. Let us introduce you to the wonders of acorns as a local staple food. We'll cover oak species identification, how to locate, harvest, process acorns into flour, and give back to the land. Reciprocity is a key component in building a healthy relationship with the plants we forage. In these times of changing climate, oaks are a resilient candidate for nourishment and have been for local indigenous tribes for many generations. Learn to integrate oaks into your everyday life and participate in local food sovereignty efforts.
Acorns and processing tools will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own acorns or mortar and pestles/grain grinders. Vegan and non-vegan acorn mush will be available to taste, in addition to hot drinks and light snacks. This workshop is suitable for adults and teens 13 and older (minors must be accompanied by an adult), and will take place indoors, rain or shine.
Zoe Minervini-Zick grew up with coast live oaks in Oakland (Ohlone land) and Sebastopol (Southern Pomo land), California. She has been studying ethnobotany for nine years, starting at the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine in Ithaca, New York, and most recently at the Columbines School of Botanical Studies in Eugene, Oregon. As a forager, gardener, fermenter, and land steward she is working towards personal, cultural and ecological healing and resilience.
Dylan Gearheart is an aspiring native plant horticulturalist and tracker who grew up in San Diego (Kumeyaay territory) around coast live oaks and chaparral. He received a B.S. in Industrial Arts and Design from Humboldt State University and certificate in Permaculture Design and Social Forestry from Siskiyou Permaculture. He is continuing to develop his skills in providing ecological garden consultations, design and maintenance.
A portion of the proceeds from this workshop will be donated to the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center’s Acorn Bites food sovereignty project.
Orientation for Laguna Greeter Training
Thursday, February 21, 6:00-7:30pm
Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
FREE. Please RSVP.Connect with the community by providing event support at the Laguna Foundation’s classes and outings, as well as represent the Foundation at local events such as festivals and farmers markets. At each event, Laguna Greeters may be assigned to one or more of these tasks: setup and cleanup of tables and chairs; directing parking; greeting and checking-in guests; taking Gift Shop merchandise sales; setup and cleanup of snacks; representing the Laguna Foundation (tabling) at community events. Greeters help support the events, as well as have the opportunity to attend those events for free!
Experts in biology, natural history, and environmental education train Laguna Greeters in lively classes and field trips. Greeter Training is approximately 10 hours and consists of three classes at the Laguna Environmental Center (March 12, March 23 and March 26, 2019). Trainees are also invited to attend four optional classes and field trips.
The fee for training is $30. Trainees receive a binder with reading and reference material that is closely tied with the theme of each classroom session. This fee helps to offset the costs of running the training and materials, plus a one year membership to the Laguna Foundation. A small number of partial scholarships are available.
Cold Process Soap Making from Start to Finish
Workshop with Kelly Smith Saturday, February 23, 10:00am-12:30pm
Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
$40. Pre-registration required.Learn to make soap right in your own kitchen! If you're new to soap making, it can seem a bit overwhelming even with all of the online resources available; sometimes they make it even more confusing! Join veteran soap maker Kelly Smith, owner and creator of Rubber Ducky Soap, to learn about the chemistry and various aspects of making bar soap using the cold-process method. Kelly will share safety information, the pros and cons of various ingredients, and how to formulate a soap recipe based on individual needs. We will make two batches of soap with scents and additives agreed upon in the class. Participants will bring home two small containers of soap. Even though it will be hard to wait the necessary two weeks for the soap to cure and be ready for use, it will be well worth the wait! After this class you will be ready to make your own batch of soap. Take note...it can be addictive!
Kelly Smith was drawn to soap making after friends gave her a bar of soap they had made when she was in her mid 20's. Being plagued by dry skin her entire life, once she tried the handmade bar she was driven to learn how to make soap herself. After a few failed attempts Kelly finally figured out to make soap like the one she was given. By then she was hooked and decided to start a home-based business selling soap at local farmers' markets and craft fairs. Kelly now operates eleven farmers markets in Sonoma and Marin Counties and has turned her passion for making soap into a successful hobby business.
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March 2019
Watercolor Painting for Beginners
Workshop with Donna DeLaBriandais
Saturday, March 9, 9:30am-3:00pm
Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
$90. Pre-registration requiredDiscover the joys and expressiveness of watercolor! Treat yourself to this one day workshop and learn the basic skills of painting with watercolor. In addition to technique demonstrations, Donna will lead simple exercises and provide one-on-one instruction throughout the day. You will gain an understanding of how watercolor paints respond and you will even leave with a completed painting. We will paint indoors and possibly spend some time painting outside in the native plant garden (weather permitting).
This class is designed for beginners but even if you have some experience you will learn tools and techniques that will give you more confidence to continue painting on your own. This will be a fun and informative workshop for students age 13 to adult.
Donna DeLaBriandais is a third generation native of Sonoma County, California. She studied painting at the Academy of Art University and graduated from the University of San Francisco. She later spent a summer at La Romita in Italy painting "en Plein air." Donna is an Impressionist painter in oils and watercolor. She earned Signature Membership in the American Impressionist Society in 2007 and is an Associate Member in the California Art Club. Donna teaches art classes through the Santa Rosa Junior College, National parks and various Bay Area art centers. "My favorite subjects are landscapes painted in the late afternoon when the sunlight is warm and the shadows are long." www.donnasfineart.com
Tule Berry-Gathering Basket
Workshop with Charlie Kennard
Sunday, March 17, 2019, 9:30am-3:30pm
Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
$95. Pre-registration required
~This workshop is full. ~ Click the "Register Now" button below to join the waitlist.Enjoy a delightful day full of hands-on learning in Heron Hall and around the peaceful Laguna Environmental Center grounds with master weaver, Charlie Kennard. Using tule, (a giant species of sedge native to the Laguna and freshwater marshes all over North America), we will weave an Owens Valley Paiute-style scoop-shaped basket. This basket was used for gathering berries and for storing honey-dew collected from the leaves of common reed. Several unusual weaving techniques will be practiced during this workshop.
Previous experience with twining is recommended. Suitable for adults and teenagers. All basket-making materials are included in the registration fee. Participants bring their own lunch. Hot drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day.
Charlie Kennard of San Anselmo is a long-time basket weaver and student of California Indian and other traditional basketry techniques of the world. He teaches throughout the Bay Area, and in many schools and at teacher trainings. Tule boats made in his workshops can be seen at the California Academy of Sciences, the Bay Model in Sausalito, and in the collection of the Lake County Museum. You can also visit a basketry plant garden Charlie has created at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross, where he and friends have woven a basket 13 feet across. Charlie is active in native habitat restoration in Marin, managing several projects for Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed.
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April 2019
Big Brush Watercolor Painting
Workshop with Donna DeLaBriandais
Saturday, April 27, 9:30am-3:00pm
Heron Hall, Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
$90. Pre-registration requiredPaint the bounty of the Laguna Environmental Center! Spring is a time of renewal and the lush green fields of grass, flowers and new growth in the native plant garden at the at the Center will be fun and natural to paint spontaneously with a big brush. Learn techniques of capturing the essence of what you see "en plein air" on watercolor paper using a painterly approach. We will begin the morning in Heron Hall with fun, simple painting and drawing exercises focused on flowers, fruit and other natural objects. The day will then progress outdoors (weather permitting). Demonstrations, paint-along, and one-on-one help will be part of the learning experience throughout the day.
Some painting experience will be helpful but beginning to intermediate painters will learn new skills and techniques.
Donna DeLaBriandais is a third generation native of Sonoma County, California. She studied painting at the Academy of Art University and graduated from the University of San Francisco. She later spent a summer at La Romita in Italy painting "en Plein air." Donna is an Impressionist painter in oils and watercolor. She earned Signature Membership in the American Impressionist Society in 2007 and is an Associate Member in the California Art Club. Donna teaches art classes through the Santa Rosa Junior College, National parks and various Bay Area art centers. "My favorite subjects are landscapes painted in the late afternoon when the sunlight is warm and the shadows are long." www.donnasfineart.com
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Also on tap, coming up ... Stay tuned for details!
- February 2 - Celebrate World Wetlands Day
- April 28 - Dia del Niño/Day of the Child, Open House
- May 4 - Eco-Friendly Garden Tour, CNPS Native Plant Sale, and Open House
- May 12 - Delta Pond Rookery Walk
- June 29 - Colored Pencils Drawing workshop with Nina Antze
- And much, much more!!!
Cancellation Policy
If you are registered for an event and need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible so that others may attend. Cancellations received more than 30 days in advance of the event date will receive a refund minus a $10.00 processing fee. Cancellations made between 30-7 days in advance will receive a 50% refund. We are sorry but refunds cannot be given on cancellations made less than 7 days in advance. Please also note that we often need a minimum number of participants to conduct most events. If the Laguna Foundation needs to cancel the event for any reason, we will notify you as soon as possible (at least 1 day prior to the event) and you will receive a full refund.
Non-Refundable Fee
Events that cost $20 and less are non-refundable (except in case of our cancelling for inclement weather or other extenuating circumstances, in which case we will issue full refunds). This is due to administrative costs and significant processing fees associated with online registration services such as Eventbrite. Thank you for your understanding and for your interest and support of our programs!
For more information, contact Christine Fontaine, Director of Education Programs
(707) 527-9277 xt. 102 or by email at Christine@LagunaFoundation.org.[ top ]
. Banner Image by Gary Hundt
