25th Anniversary Outing: Post-Fire Ecology

Hike at Riddell Preserve 

Sunday June 27th, 8:30am-2:30pm

Riddell Preserve, Healdsburg  

Please scroll down to register! 

Join LandPaths  and the Ag+ Open Space district for a post-fire ecology hike at Riddel Preserve. With its magnificent native grasslands, madrone stands, redwood fairy rings, and perennial springs, Riddell Preserve is a 400-acre wonderland above Dry Creek Valley. In late August 2020, the Walbridge Fire, part of the LNU Lightning Complex, spread into the western portion of Riddell. With 3/4ths of the property seeing fire, almost 300 acres of this nature preserve experienced a slower moving “ground fire”.  

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 the 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. 

As LandPaths celebrates its 25th anniversary, and 25 years in partnership with the Ag + Open Space district, we are creating a special film. A local videographer will be filming during the hike, and we will be hosting a "Story Booth" immediately following the hike. We want to hear from you! We invite and encourage you to share memories, reflections about your experiences with LandPaths. Our friendly team will provide prompts and questions to support your storytelling.

Where: We will meet at the city corporation yard and carpool 10-15 to preserve; 550 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448

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. 

Details:

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

• You will recieve more details via email from LandPaths staff after you register.

• 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 fund the District's work with a quarter-cent sales tax!

What to expect: 

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

• No pets or smoking are permitted

• All participants are asked to sign our a liabilty waiver/standard photo and video release form. To learn more about our 25th Anniversary Story Booth video project, click here.

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

Contact:

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

Please click here to register!

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.