The meetings will be held in Bodega Bay and Monte Rio:

Bodega Bay Meeting                                                            Monte Rio Meeting

Wednesday, June 6, 2012, 6-7:30                                 Monday, June 11, 2012, 6-7:30

Bodega Bay Grange                                                      Monte Rio Community Center

1370 Bodega Ave. Bodega Bay                                     20488 Highway 116, Monte Rio

The meetings will begin with a showing of the short film, The First 70.   The film chronicles the filmmakers’ journey through 70 California State Parks set for closure.

The focus of these meetings will be efforts to keep Austin Creek State Recreation Area open and to restore access at Sonoma Coast State Park.

All camping facilities in Austin Creek State Recreation Area have been closed since September 2012 and as of July 1, the park is slated to close completely.

At Sonoma Coast State Park the following day-use and camping areas will remain closed past July 1unless alternative operating arrangements are made:  Pomo Canyon Campground, Willow Creek Campground, Russian Gulch, Vista Point, Bodega Head East, Campbell Cove

In addition to the above, as of October 2012, the following areas will close again:  Bodega Dunes day-use and more than 80 campsites, and day-use at South Salmon Creek, Schoolhouse, and Blind Beach.

Our State Parks offer respite from our busy lives, recreational opportunities for our enjoyment and health, and economic viability for our communities. State Parks serve people of all ages and abilities. Stewards welcomes the community’s ideas on how we can work together to keep state parks open. We are looking for sustainable solutions that will reverse the downward trend that has plagued our State Parks. Local parks have already postponed millions of dollars in maintenance projects and they need our help.

Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods promotes, restores and protects your State Parks in the Russian River area through education and stewardship volunteer programs. For more information contact us at (707) 869-9177, stewards@mcn.org or visit our website www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org.

The next Sonoma County Trails Council work day to help repair the trails at Annadel State Park is next Saturday, March 17, from 9am to about 1pm.
We’ll be meeting at 9am near the Upper Oak Knolls picnic area at the east end of Spring Lake Park (near the gate into Annadel on the Spring Creek Trail – where the horse trailers park). Look for the white SCTC tool trailer.
Enter the park via the Newanga Avenue entrance and tell the gate attendant that you are a volunteer for trail work with the Sonoma County Trails Council, and they will provide a parking pass.
If you are unfamiliar with the park, the meeting location can be found on the map -
www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pdf/maps/spring_lake.pdf
We’ll be walking from the parking lot to work on Rough-Go Trail, about a 0.5 mile walk.  The project includes drainage work and will likely be in wet conditions.
Bring a jacket, clothes and boots suitable for wet weather, water and gloves and wear something green. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

In order to make sure we have enough of everything, please  email Ken Wells at jfish@sonic.net if you plan to attend.

SCTC will supply tools and Clif Bar snacks.

We look forward to seeing you all and having fun taking care of our
wonderful park.

http://www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org/volunteertraining.htm

The Valley of the Moon State Parks is seeking volunteers to work as museum docents, tour guides, hike leaders, golf cart driver/docents, visitor center docents, trail workers, piano players, special events aides, foot and mounted patrol assistance units. The time commitment is very reasonable, only 4 hours per month. Come join us in protecting, preserving and sharing the fascinating stories of three Sonoma Valley State Parks; Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf
Ridge and Annadel State Parks.

Volunteer training begins March 24, 2012 and runs for five Saturdays, ending on April 28. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a park pass, which allows free access to our three Valley of the Moon State Parks.

For further information or to sign up please contact:
Susan St.Marie
Volunteer Program Coordinator
(707) 938-4827
Or email to sstmarie@parks.ca.gov

California State Parks does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (707) 938-4827 or (707) 938-5216.

Following are some of the areas where we would appreciate volunteer assistance in the weeks prior to the event:

• Creating centerpieces – possibly “natural” centerpieces of branches, moss, stones, etc.
• Providing graphic design assistance – signs, placards, program
• Soliciting silent auction and live auction donations
• Selling tickets ($40 each) and VIP tables ($500 each for 8 people)

We will also need volunteers the day of the event for tasks such as:

• Decorating and set up
• Greeting guests
• Supervising the silent auction
• Spotting for the live auction
• Serving food
• Clean up

If you’re interested in helping with PastaPalooza – either prior to the event or during the event itself – please email Volunteer Coordinator John Ryan at John.Ryan@sonoma-county.org and indicate which tasks interest you. The PastaPalooza planning committee will follow up with you in the coming weeks.

Thanks so much for all of your support with our local parks

Read the press release:  Sugarloaf Ridge SP press release 021412

Read the letter to the editor here