landpaths.org

Lafferty Ranch Triple Watershed Geology Walk

09/19/2026 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM PT

Description

 
Join docent Larry Modell, a long-time advocate for public open space, and and our co-sponsored/co-hosts Sonoma Mountain Preservation to explore Lafferty Ranch Open Space on upper Sonoma Mountain and get a view from the perspective of deep time and the flow of water. Featuring expert Nicole Myers, Geology Lecturer at Sonoma State University. Learn how the San Andreas Fault is connected to the formation and shape of Sonoma Mountain, from which water flows to San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean. 
 
The 270-acre Lafferty Ranch property is the only publicly-owned land on the west side of Sonoma Mountain, and access is made possible thanks to the City of Petaluma and LandPaths. The hiking terrain ranges from broad, gentle meadows to steep challenging hillsides with a narrow path and a total elevation gain of 500’.

The Triple Watershed Series

Join geologist Nicole Myers, CEI's Program and Outreach Specialist, to explore the geologic history of the three watersheds of Sonoma Mountain. Learn how the formation of the San Andreas Fault System lifted the rocks of Sonoma Mountain out of the depths of the ocean, then caused millions of years of volcanic eruptions. Explore the oceanic and volcanic rocks of the mountain that record 180 million years of Earth history, the faults that have formed beautiful landscapes over the last 20 million years, and the streams that have been carved into the mountain as water flows to the Pacific Ocean by way of the Russian River and San Pablo Bay.

 

This event is part of the Sonoma Mountain Triple Watershed series! Check out the Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed event at Fairfield Osborn Preserve on October 3rd at 10am-1pm, a collaboration with Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry. The Sonoma Creek Watershed Rocktober event at Jack London State Historic Park is on October 17th at 11am-3pm in collaboration with Jack London Park Partners.

Details:  
  • Space is limited so register as soon as you can. 
  • The hike will be led by volunteer Lafferty Docents.
  • You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon arrival.
  • No restrooms available. This is a rustic property. Please plan accordingly. 
  • You will receive a confirmation email upon registration. If you do not receive an email then you are not registered for the outing. 
  • Upon registration you will receive an email with the exact location, driving directions, and parking information.
  • 3 days before the outing you will receive a reminder email. 
  • Please note that there are no dogs or smoking/vaping allowed at Lafferty Ranch. 
What to bring: 
  • Your water bottle, bring enough water for you and your family. 
  • We recommend wearing LONG pants (against ticks) and comfortable sturdy hiking shoes that can get dirty. 
  • Warm layers, sun protection and whatever else you will need to be comfortable being outside in the elements.
 
If we need to cancel due to weather or other circumstances: You will immediately receive an email if the program gets cancelled. However, if you would like to confirm, check back on this post; it will say "CANCELLED" if the program is called off.
Do you need help registering?
  • call 707-544-7284 or
  • send a message to outings@landpaths.org
This event is possible thanks to the City of Petaluma! ​​​​​​