Page 37 - Sonoma County Gazette June 2017

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HELEN PUTNAM REGIONAL
PARK THANKS YOU: In June 2016 a generous donor established
a $50,000 challenge grant for Helen Putnam Regional Park. More than 200 donors matched that challenge in just eight months, raising a total of $100,000 for improvements at
this beloved Petaluma park. Learn more at our website about upcoming improvements.
TAKE a HIKE, Kids
By Aleta Parseghian
Sonoma County Regional Parks is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. The Parks has been a vital part of land conservation and habitat restoration in Sonoma County, not to mention providing excellent recreation opportunities for people as well.
The best way to say thanks and to ensure that these efforts continue into the future is to use the parks. The $7 you spend to swim in the river at Steelhead Beach, fish at Riverfront Park, catch some waves at Doran Beach, or to hike up Taylor Mountain all contribute towards the vast expenses of park maintenance and care. While environmental stewardship should be important to all of us, volunteering to clear invasive weeds or build trails might not be your thing. So how about simply going for a hike?
There’s really no excuse not to, even if you’re out of shape or have small children. There are a wonderful variety of trails throughout the county that range in difficulty. And since I myself must accommodate a toddler at my heels, I often opt for the easier, shorter trails. I have compiled a list, which will be broken down into two articles, of some short, easy hikes for those of you who are beginner hikers or
who want to introduce young children to nature.
M My y f f a a v v o o r r i i t t e e s s t t r r a a t t e e g g y y t t o o c c o o n n v v i i n n c c e e m my y k k i i d d s s t t o o h h i i k k e e w w i i t t h h m m e e i i s s t t o o t t u u r r n n i i t t i i n n t t o o a a s s c c a a v v e e n n g g e e r r
h h u u n n t t . . I I f f I I s s a a y y t t o o t t h h e e m m “ “ l l e e t t ’ ’ s s g g o o f f o o r r a a h h i i k k e e ” ”, , t t h h e e y y ’ ’ l l l l i i n n s s t t a a n n t t l l y y s s a a y y n n o o ( ( w w e e l l l l , , t t h h e e 1 1 1 1 - - y y e e a a r r - - old will). But if I tell them we’re going mushroom hunting or animal tracking or
w w i i l l d d f f l l o o w w e e r r i i d d e e n n t t i i f f y y i i n n g g , , t t h h e e y y ’ ’r r e e a a l l l l i i n n . . S S o o y y o o u u r r f f i i r r s s t t t t a a s s k k s s h h o o u u l l d d b b e e t t o o b b u u y y s s o o m m e e o o f f those laminated field guides to help identify animal tracks, scat, native plants,
etc. I’ve bought several at Harmony Farm Supply in Graton, and many visitors centers will have some for purchase as well.
It may also interest your kids to learn about the history of the region. Do a little research before you head out, that way you can spout out interesting
facts along the trail and make your kids think you’re super smart. This area is rich in Native American heritage that both you and your kids
will find fascinating.
Before you head out the door, please remember these very important things:
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• Pack LOTS of food & water. You’re much better
o o f f f f h h a av v i i n n g g t t o o o o m mu u c c h h t t h h a a n n n n o o t t e e n n o o u u g g h h . . H H e e a a r r t t y y s s n n a a c c k k s s l l i i k k e e n n u ut t s s , , cheese, and fruit will sustain your energy.
• Beware of Ticks. This is supposed to be a very back year for ticks
due to the amount of rain we’ve had, so keep your ankles protected and stay out of tall grass.
• Wear sunscreen. Even if it’s cloudy or cool, you can still get burned. This is especially important for the kids. And make sure everyone wears a hat.
• Bring a map. You can’t always count on cell service in some parks, so make sure to map out your route beforehand, or print a map at home to bring with you. Getting lost, especially with young kids,
would be a big bummer.
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This beautiful park nestled among the hills west of Petaluma is perfect for beginners and children. There are 6 miles of trails with gradual slopes and lots to see along the way. The
Helen Putnam Regional Park, 411 Chileno Valley Rd, Petaluma
toddler and I chose an easy 1.6 mile loop that took us past the fishing pond, to a vista point, then back down through the grassy hills. The park is abundant with wildlife,
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so if you stay quiet and keep your eyes peeled, you could spot all kinds of critters. We saw deer, a bullfrog, a king snake, lots of lizards, and even a turkey making a racket.
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The trailhead even has a shady picnic area and playground, which is a perfect place to have lunch after your hike.
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Riverfront Regional Park, 7821 Eastside Rd, Healdsburg
While Riverfront is best known for its two lovely fishing lakes, it also boasts a couple scenic
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trails. The Redwood Trail is only about a quarter mile long and winds up and over a hill, with a mix of wildflowers fields and Redwood forests. It meets back up with the main trail, which
loops around Lake Benoist for a total of 3 miles. There are plenty of spots along the trail to
rest on a bench and enjoy the view (while your kids throw rocks into the water or try to catch frogs). You can access the Russian River from this trail, and there’s even a nice secluded beach,
but it’s a long way to trek a cooler and inner tubes (trust me, I’ve done it and wish I hadn’t). The lakes used to be gravel mine pits, but were filled with water and are stocked with bass for fishing. The park was purchased in 2002 and is still undergoing improvement efforts, which will eventually include the opening of a third lake to the north.
I’ll cover more parks in the July issue of the Gazette, but in the mean time, get outside and explore this beautiful county with your kids!
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