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The State Parks of Sonoma County's coast and Russian River valley are rich in natural and cultural history, biological diversity and distinctive geology. Our mission is to promote education, preservation and restoration of the natural and cultural resources of Russian River area State Parks through interpretation and public stewardship. We do this (with the help of over 300 volunteers) by providing park visitors of all ages with a variety of programs and opportunities to experience and explore these exceptional parks.
In addition, Stewards plays an important advocacy role for California State Parks. For decades, California's park system, the nation's largest, has been under funded. This has lead to serious understaffing and a $1.2 billion deferred maintenance backlog. In May 2008, the National Trust for Historic Preservation placed our entire state parks system on the list of the top 11 most endangered historic places. Stewards routinely advocates for the needs of our State Park treasures, ensuring they will be open and available for public enjoyment for generations to come.
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News |
- Biological Opinion issued by NMFS
Seal Watchers are concerned about a 15-year plan, called a Biological Opinion, aimed at helping restore endangered coho salmon, Chinook salmon and steelhead in the Russian River and Dry Creek, which was released by National Marine Fisheries Service on Friday, September 26, 2008 and mandates sweeping changes to the way local and federal agencies operate Russian River water supply and flood control projects.
- Jenner Headlands under Contract
The Jenner Headlands is a spectacular 5,630-acre coastal ranch, described by Sonoma County Supervisor Mike Reilly as being the “whole tiara” among a string of jewels along the coast. After nearly four years of complex negotiations, the Sonoma Land Trust has secured a contract with the landowners to purchase the Jenner Headlands. This will be the single largest conservation land acquisition in Sonoma County history.
Other news stories » |
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Holiday Sale through New Years Day
State Park Nature Stores
20% off for New & Existing Members
25% off for Members who puchase $25 or more
Armstrong Visitor Center
11:00 am to 3:00 pm - DAILY
Sonoma Coast Visitor Center in Jenner
11:00 am to 3:00 pm - Weekends
Avoid the Malls and Give a Gift that Keeps on Giving!
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The Biological Opinion and the proposal to
limit breaching of the Russian River mouth
Will it affect the Harbor Seal Colony?
Upcoming Meeting with NMFS
December 22, 2008 at 12:30pm
Jenner Visitor Center
Download Presentation
Impacts of the Russian River Sandbar on Wildlife |
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Annual Old Grove Festival - September 25, 26, & 26, 2009
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Education |
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Stewards offers special educational programs to help students and the public learn about a redwood grove's complex web of life, discover the wonders of coastal tide pools and engage in watershed field studies. In addition to studying a wide variety of flora and fauna, we help you explore the history of the Native Americans and other cultural groups who dwelled here.
Our School Group Education Programs serve over 5,000 school children a year. Stewards provides manuals and learning aids to teachers to support their curriculum goals. On-site field trips led by State Parks Volunteer Docents and Staff give students a hands-on opportunity to:
- Investigate the wonders of the interdial zone
- Learn about watershed values by participating in creek assessment projects
- Explore the ecology of an old-growth redwood forest
Stewards' Public Education Programs are staffed by State Parks Volunteer Docents and Staff. They give generously of their time to share their love of nature, knowledge and information, as well as stewardship values. These programs include:
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Resource Management and Restoration |
The natural resources in our parks have been impacted by past land use practices and are in need of continuing restoration to
bring them back to health.
Stewards has raised over $600,000 in funds
through donations and grants to support
resource management projects. We develop partnerships with other private
and public organizations. Our volunteer stewardship programs include:
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State Parks Visitor Centers |
Stewards supports the California State Park Visitor Centers in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and at the Sonoma Coast State Park in Jenner. State Parks volunteers operate nature stores at both locations. Our long-term goals include the renovation and
expansion of current facilities and the development
of a new facilities at Armstrong Redwoods and the Sonoma Coast State Park.
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