Promoting education, preservation & restoration of the natural & cultural resources of Russian River area State Parks
Promoting Preservation through Education and Stewardship in Russian River and Sonoma Coast State Parks
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards) is a non-profit organization that partners with the Russian River Sector of California State Parks. The sector includes Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (outside Guerneville), Austin Creek State Recreation Area,Sonoma Coast State Park (from Bodega Bay to Jenner) and includes the Willow Creek watershed. The State Parks Volunteers in Parks program depends on Stewards to provide funding for educational and interpretive activities, for resource management projects, and to assist in the development of interpretive facilities.
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.
Stewards is dismayed to pass on depressing news in regards to the State Park budget as we get ready to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. Stewards will be shifting gears once again and take up the fight to advocate for our beloved State Parks. After last year, you know that we will not rest until we can be assured that our parks will continue to be open and available to all of us who treasure them for solace, recreation and their incredible beauty.
The following is a press release that was sent out today by our partner, the California State Parks Foundation.
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 projectsv
Birding on Bodega Head with Hollis and Jerry Bewley Saturday, July 11, 2009, 9 am to 12 pm at Bodega Head
Join the Bewley’s for a great introductory birding experience. You will see offshore coastal nesting spots quite possibly with chicks ready to fledge. Osprey, egrets, herons and harriers should be abundant. You might even see sea lions porpoising around the Head. Dress in layers and bring binoculars, water and a snack. Limited to 20,
$15 per person donation, Stewards members FREE.Register online.
Sunset Paddle & Hike Tour on the Russian River Estuary with Watertreks Saturday July 18, 2009, 6:00 – 9:00 pm – Meet at the Jenner Visitor Center
We Return Just After Sunset! Join Suki Waters, owner of Watertreks for a grand experience on the Russian River Estuary in Jenner.Wildlife & History Interpretation. Dress in layers with a waterproof layer on top. $15 per person donation, Stewards members FREE. Limited to 20
For reservations contact Suki at watertreks@yahoo.com, or 707-865-2249.
Kayak rentals - $35 per person, Water Resistant Tops, Bottoms and Dry Bags included with Rentals.
Red Hill Photography Hike with Harvey Mendelson “There’s a Picture in the Picture”
Sunday, August 2, 2009, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Join Harvey for a hike to Red Hill and learn how to get to the real picture when you photograph nature. Harvey has a beautiful collection of photographs that he took on the John Muir Trail using this technique. Meet at Shell Beach. Dress in layers, wear sturdy walking shoes, sun protection (hat and sun screen). bring a camera and tripod if you have one, lenses, extra batteries. Also bring a lunch, water, and something to sit on. Limited to 20, $15 per person donation, Stewards members FREE. Scroll down to register online.
75th ANNIVERSARY OF
ARMSTRONG REDWOODS
Celebrate with us throughout 2009! (click logo for details)
Gourmet Hike - Tickets now on Sale
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Walk along the majestic redwoods sipping wine and tasting delectible appetizers. Enjoy entertainment and docents along the trail. $30 per person, 2 for $50.
Quilt Drawing Look for our lovely photo quilt at our special events. Raffle tickets can be purchased at our Visitor Centers at Armstrong Redwoods and in Jenner. The quilt drawing will take place on December 4, 2009. Donate Now
Summer 2009 EcoAdventures - Click HERE for more details about the following EcoAdventures
That's right the Annual Rubber Duck Races are back! This year they will debut at the
Bodega Seafood Art and Wine Festival and benefit both Stewards and the
Bodega Volunteer Fire Department. Great prizes and fun for the whole family!
The Annual Seafood Art and Wine Festival takes place in the town of Bodega at the Watts Ranch.
Featuring the best of California’s wineries, breweries, artists, and craftspeople. This event also features outstanding regional and national musicians, and of course, a delicious selection of seafood, a kid's funzone, environmental exhibits, and other fun and new aspects of the festival make this an event not to be missed.
Education
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:
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:
Additional trail and restoration projects occurring as needed
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.
That's right the Annual Rubber Duck Races are back! This year they will debut at the 
