Experiencing Late Spring at Lafferty Ranch
06/02/2024 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT
Description
Experiencing Late Spring at Lafferty Ranch
Sunday June 2nd, 9am to 12pm
Sunday June 2nd, 9am to 12pm
Led by Docents Joy Robinson and Bruce Schneider
Join LandPaths' docents Bruce Schneider and Joy Robinson for a late spring hike at Lafferty Ranch.
Springtime at Lafferty puts nature and the mountain at their best. The views are the clearest and longest, the Adobe Creek is babbling happily, and the birds are serenading us. Let's hike slowly, to take it all in! We’ll hike above the creek to a vista point beyond the mid-point meadow, where we will pause and take in the expansive views before returning back to our cars. Our hikes along this trail usually run about 2 ½ hours, but we’re allowing ourselves a full 3 hours to be able to go more slowly.
This isn’t a hike for the up-and-back types! We’ll stop along the way, and do a guided meditation at the top under the Valley Oak. So bring a snack or lunch, wear long pants, good hiking boots, and take along a hat. And keep in mind that light colors are easier for spotting the ticks, which are still around this time of year. You may want to bring a small tarp to sit on, for when we get to the Valley Oak.
About Lafferty Ranch: This 270-acre property is the only publicly-owned land on the west side of Sonoma Mountain. Under contract with the City of Petaluma, LandPaths has been leading hikes on the land to introduce groups to its history and natural features since the summer of 2022. The hiking terrain ranges from broad, gentle meadows to steep challenging hillsides with a narrow path. We’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Petaluma Valley, stretching southwards to Mt. Tamalpais and Mt. Diablo, all the way to San Francisco. The trail passes through groves of venerable oak and bay trees along the Adobe Creek, with a total elevation gain of 500’.
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: Upon registration you will recieve an email with the exact location, driving directions, and parking information.
Details:
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Space is limited so register as soon as you can.
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The hike will be led by Lafferty Docents Joy & Bruce!
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You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon arrival
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No restrooms available. This is a rustic property. Please plan accordingly.
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You will recieve a confirmation email upon registration. If you do not recieve an email then you are not registered for the outing.
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Upon registration you will recieve an email with the exact location, driving directions, and parking information.
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Please note that there are no dogs or smoking/vaping allowed at Lafferty Ranch.
What to bring:
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Your own water bottle, bring enough water for you and your family. Your own food, and bag for waste
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We recommend wearing LONG pants (against ticks)* and comfortable sturdy hiking shoes that can get dirty.
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Lots of layers: hat/sun protection and anything else you will need to be comfortable being out in the colder weather.
*Please be aware when entering Lafferty that you are going into tick habitat, and this season there are higher numbers. Wear insect repellent, check for ticks throughout the hike, take a shower soon after the outing, and call a doctor if you develop a fever or rash. If you have any concerns, please feel free to call me with questions.
Staff:
Our staff is certified in the minimum of CPR and First Aid, and they have training and years of experience working in outdoor spaces. All staff has had their backgrounds checked through fingerprinting.
Additional details:
Accessibility:
If you have accessibility questions, please call or email us with any questions or concerns you may have.
Same-day cancellations:
Please call 707-544-7284 (then press 1) after 7 am the morning of the day if you wish to confirm. If you don't hear a cancellation notice in the highlighted voicemail, the day hasn't been canceled.
Please call 707-544-7284 (then press 1) after 7 am the morning of the day if you wish to confirm. If you don't hear a cancellation notice in the highlighted voicemail, the day hasn't been canceled.
How to sign up:
Do you need help registering?
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call Roxy at 707-544-7284 ext 103 or
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email her at roxy@landpaths.org
This event is possible thanks to the City of Petaluma!
