Description
Sonoma Mountain Geology at Lafferty
Lafferty Ranch, Petaluma
Saturday, October 15, 2022
9am-12pm
(Driving and parking directions will be sent out 2 to 3 days before the outing)
Led by Lafferty Docents Hugh Stevenson and Melissa Hatheway
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Please join LandPaths and the City of Petaluma to hike Lafferty Ranch with a friendly group of fellow nature lovers. We'll be joined by Nicole Myers, who teaches Geology at Sonoma State University (see her website at www.appreciatingearth.com) and naturalist Joe Cochrane. Learn about our local geology, including Sonoma Mountain and the Rodgers Creek fault, and how tectonic, seismic, and volcanic events have formed the rocks, valleys, and mountains around us. We will explore Lafferty Ranch lands to learn about geologic processes and climatic trends that shape Sonoma County, including wildfires, floods, volcanism, and earthquakes (as recently as September 13!). Rising to more than 2,000 feet, Lafferty is a 270-acre open space on the western face of Sonoma Mountain offering thrilling views of four counties, San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean, timeless Adobe Creek, abundant wildlife, and unmatched natural beauty. The hiking terrain ranges from broad, gentle meadows to challenging hillsides, and you'll enjoy panoramic vistas, groves of oak and bay trees, and a babbling, perennial stream.
Registration in advance is required. Lafferty Ranch is only open to the public during special guided outings with LandPaths and the City of Petaluma.
Directions: Driving directions, parking details, and exact location of Lafferty Ranch will be sent 2 to 3 days before the event by the outings field specialist. Parking at Lafferty is extremely limited. You must be registered for the outing to attend. No drop-ins, please! Space is limited to those who register in advance.
Details:
- You will be asked to sign a liabilty waiver upon arrival.
- No restrooms available. This is a rustic property. Please plan accordingly.
- You will receive a confirmation email upon registration.
- 2 - 3 days before the outing you will receive an email from the lead facilitator with the exact location, driving directions, and parking information
- Please note that there are no dogs or smoking allowed at Lafferty Ranch.
What to bring with you:
- Consider wearing long pants and comfortable shoes that can get dirty.
- Snacks for the hike and a light dinner, if you'd like.
- Journal or paper and something to write/draw with.
- Water to drink in your own water bottle as there is no potable (drinkable) water available at the site.
- Baby carriers are recommended instead of strollers.
Weather-Related Cancellation: In the event of smoke, high heat, bad air quality, or heavy rain, please call (707) 544-7284 on the morning of the outing to see whether the outing has been cancelled. If you don't hear a notice of cancellation on the outgoing voice message, the outing will be going forward as planned.
For any questions please reach out to Benji at benji@landpaths.org and he'll get back to you as soon as he can!
