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'Rock Walk' at Montini Open Space Preserve

Montini Open Space Preserve
Sonoma, CA

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'Rock Walk' at Montini Open Space Preserve

Join Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) geologist and research director Becca Lawton on Sunday, May 19, from 9 to 11am, at the Montini Open Space Preserve for our annual "Rock Walk," where we will explore different features of the preserve in the context of regional and global geology.

If you haven't yet visited Montini Open Space Preserve to view the excellent exposures of volcanic rocks in quarries and on ridges, you're in for a treat. This beautiful property, with its open grassland, oak woodland, and outcroppings of basalt once coveted for cobblestone streets and stone buildings, also offers stunning overlooks to San Francisco and San Pablo Bays. Come for a two-hour walk to discover the rocks, see traces of active faults in the valley below, and enjoy sightings of flora and fauna.

The Preserve was protected by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (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. Encompassing 152 acres, the property is in and adjacent to the City of Sonoma. Due to some elevation gain and very uneven footing, the hike is rated intermediate to advanced: however, we'll be pausing frequently to take in the sights.

May 19 will be an excellent time to become a Sonoma Ecology Center member or renew your current membership. Rebecca is co-author of the geology book Discover Nature in the Rocks and will donate a signed copy to any participating hiker who joins or renews membership with the Center on the hike ($40 minimum annual fee, please bring cash or check to join and receive your gift on the spot).

This is an intermediate level hike and is approximately 2-miles in length. The hike contains occasionally steep trails and uneven footing. All participants are required to wear appropriate footwear.

There is no charge for the outing, as it is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the District's work with a quarter-cent sales tax. Reservations are required by 5pm Friday, May 17, 2013.