The Sonoma Ecology Center and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District will be leading an outing on Sunday, March 21, 2010, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. This educational hike will be led by Ecology Center naturalist Mark Newhouser.

Come celebrate the spring equinox the Montini Open Space Preserve as we hunt for this season’s specialty-wildflowers! We’ll spend time scanning the fields as we search for buttercups, brodaiea, milkmaids, and many others. Have a fun morning learning more about our native vegetation in this spectacular Preserve.

The Montini Open Space Preserve was protected by the District in December 2005 for recreation and preservation of its natural and rich historical significance having been a working ranch since the time of General Vallejo. The property, which encompasses 98 acres, is in and adjacent to the City of Sonoma. With oak woodland, large rock outcroppings and open grassland, the property offers beautiful views of San Francisco and San Pablo Bays. An additional 53 acres of the Montini property are preserved through a conservation easement held by the District.

This is an intermediate-to-advanced level hike. There is no charge for this outing, as it is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who funded the District's work with a quarter-cent sales tax. Additional information on the District’s outings program can be found at www.sonomaopenspace.org. Reservations are required by Friday, March 19, 2010. For more information, contact Elly Seelye at (707) 996-0712 ext. 124 or email her at elly@sonomaecologycenter.org

The mission of the Sonoma Ecology Center is to work with our community to enhance and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley.