Post Fire-Ecology Hike at Rancho Mark West

*Postponed to 6/27*

May 29th, 9am-1:30pm

Rancho Mark West, Santa Rosa 

Please scroll down to register! 

Join LandPaths  and the Ag+ Open Space district for a post-fire ecology hike at Rancho Mark West; 120 acres of forested property protected forever by the Ag+Open Space. Rancho Mark West is an outdoor classroom, community hub, and wild place of refuge in the Mayacamas Mountains. Located in North-Eastern Santa Rosa, the Glass fire swept through Rancho Mark West preserve in the summer of 2020, burning a majority of the forest. Erosion control measures are needed immediately to protect critically important habitats, such as Mark West Creek and help to restore the land after a large disturbance. LandPaths stewards are assessing the ongoing impacts of the fire on the land, and invite the community to support us with restoring our beloved Rancho Mark West. 

We acknowledge that Fire is an integral part of the landscape, and a tool that has been utilized to tend this landscape for generations by the indigenous peoples of California. We hope that this recent re-introduction to fire results in regenerative growth, with more thriving wildlife habitat and a larger proportion of native plants to arise. Together we’ll take a hike around some of burned areas of the preserve, and discuss the impact of fire-ecology on this landscape; including how we can support the health of our forests through stewardship. 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. Registration in advance is required as space is limited. 

Where: Rancho Mark West - 7125 St. Helena Road, northeast of Santa Rosa. From Santa Rosa: take Highway 12 towards Sonoma and go left at Calistoga Road. Take Calistoga Road 3.3 miles up and over a short grade (approx. 5 minutes from intersection with Highway 12). Turn right at St. Helena Road. 7125 St. Helena Road is approximately 2.6 miles from the intersection with Calistoga Road. You will know you are almost there when you emerge into a clearing of Christmas Trees on the right. From Sonoma take a right on Calistoga Road and follow the above instructions. Turn into the driveway and look for LandPaths staff to direct you to parking. Allow 25 minutes from downtown Santa Rosa.

At LandPaths we will continue to offer connections with the land and each other in creative ways, while rigorously following local Covid-19 safety protocols and policies. Our goal is to support our entire community to get outdoors safely. Please click here to read  our response to Covid-19

Details:

• Spots are limited, and registration is required in advance.

• You will recieve more details via email from LandPaths staff after you register. This includes directions, waivers, and are most updated COVID-19 protocols. 

• This event is made possible through a partnership between the District and non-profit partner LandPaths. It is sponsored by the voters of Sonoma County who funded the District's work with a quarter-cent sales tax!

What to expect: 

• There is a potable restroom on site; please note there is no potable(drinkable) water available on the property

• No pets or smoking are permitted

• To sign a liabilty waiver upon arriving

What to bring: 

• Your own water bottle, snacks, and lunch for the day 
• Face Mask, Hand sanitizer 
• Sungear; sun glasses, sunscreen, sun hat etc. 
• Sturdy boots/sneakers for hiking
• You will be asked to fill out a Covid-19 check list before attending any LandPaths event for the foreseeable future; you can print these ahead of time and bring with you the day of the event.

Contact:

• Please contact our team by sending an email to 'outings@landpaths.org'  and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Click here to register on the waiting list

Ag + Open Space protects land in Sonoma County and LandPaths connects you with that land. This program is made possible through a partnership between the District and non-profit partner LandPaths. It is sponsored by the voters of Sonoma County who funded the District's work with a quarter-cent sales tax, and is coordinated & guided by LandPaths.