The Gifts of Slow Walking
*Originally published in Kenwood Press I was walking so slowly I felt tipsy. But that was the point. Not the tipsy part, the slow part. As part of my California Naturalist training, I was being introduced to forest bathing, which invites you to walk so slowly that [...]
The promise kept: SDC open space becomes state parkland
The promise kept: SDC open space becomes state parkland By Tracy SalcedoOriginally published in Kenwood Press, January 15, 2024 It's been a long time coming, but the promise has been kept. The exquisite natural landscapes surrounding the core campus of the former Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) are [...]
The Urbanization of Sonoma Mountain
The Urbanization of Sonoma Mountain By Will Shonbrun A sailor on horseback “I ride over my beautiful ranch. Between my legs is a beautiful horse. The air is wine. The grapes on a score of rolling hills are red with autumn flame. Across Sonoma Mountain wisps [...]
Walks and Talks on Sonoma Mountain
Walks and Talks on Sonoma Mountain In October SMP hosted two walks in the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC), the beloved and beleaguered institution in Glen Ellen that’s slated to be sold to a developer whose current plans call for leveling much of what’s beautiful, historic, and unusual [...]
The Night the County Supervisors Met to Sell the Mountain
Nursing a bruised heart not far from here, I raised my daughter alone. I rose at dawn to work long days in the woods, gauged the mountain’s creeks and springs, stood knee-deep with staff and stopwatch in chilly flow. Owls called, resting in shadows. Muddy deer trails bore lion prints the size of tea-plates, mixed with hieroglyphic scrawls of turkey and heron.
The Three Watersheds of Sonoma Mountain
“I think of watersheds as living lifeboats from ridge to river, from summit to sea, from stem to stern." Brock Dolman The springs and creeks of Sonoma Mountain feed into three different local watersheds: the Petaluma River, Sonoma Creek, and Laguna de Santa Rosa.
Evil in the Hills: The Infidelity of Copeland Creek
Evil in the Hills: The Infidelity of Copeland Creek. by John Sheehy Frank Burton, who settled at the northwestern foot of Sonoma Mountain in the 1850s, claimed that the trout in nearby Copeland Creek ran so thick he could reach in and catch them by hand. Copeland [...]
Wildlife Fair at Jack London Park, May 20
Wildlife Fair at Jack London Park, May 20 What a gorgeous day to hold a Fair! People circulated through the thirteen booths distributed inside the Winery ruins in Jack London Park. Up front there were three live birds: a raven, an owl, and a red tail hawk. Visitors [...]
Helping at the Wildlife Fair
Helping at the Wildlife Fair by Nancy KirwanThere is deep concern for the piecemeal approach that is requiring enormous effort on the part of the residents of and communities surrounding Sonoma Mountain to protect local open space and to sustain the wildlife corridor. There are interconnected watersheds, [...]
Developer chosen for SDC campus
Developer chosen for SDC campus By Melissa Dowling and Tracy SalcedoOriginally published in the April 15th edition of Kenwood Press California’s Department of General Services (DGS) has selected Rogal & Partners and The Grupe Company as buyers for the 180-acre developed campus of the former Sonoma Developmental [...]
Support the Lawsuit to Save SDC
Support the Lawsuit to Save SDC Sonoma County’s Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to build 620 homes, 410,000 square feet of commercial space, and a resort hotel on the 180-acre campus of the former Sonoma Developmental Center. A deeply flawed environmental impact report sanctioning up [...]
Getting to know Kim Batchelder, Conservation Hero
Getting to Know Kim Batchelder, Conservation Hero This is the seventh of a series of monthly interviews we are conducting with the Sonoma Mountain Preservation board members. Kim's dedication to environmental conservation and forestry has made a significant impact in Sonoma County and beyond. He holds a [...]
Sonoma Mountain – The Book!
Where the World Begins: Sonoma Mountain Stories and Images draws you into our inspiring natural treasure at the heart of southern Sonoma County. Local Bestseller, IPPY Award 2020. Two purchasing choices below:
