Field Trips
Listing of Madrone field trips in Sonoma County and the North Bay, plus other upcoming events.
General Information for All Events
The field trips are free, open to the public and suitable for all levels of interest. No sign-up is required. Bring your binoculars, field guide, liquids, plus lunch for full-day trips; wear layered clothing, hats, and sun protection. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots recommended. Heavy rain cancels the walks unless otherwise indicated. Prior notification of attendance is not required. Participants of all experience levels are welcome and may join or leave the group at any time during the day.
December 2024 – January 2025 Outings
Bring binoculars and wear outdoor clothing suitable for early morning weather. Our outings are free for members and the public. (We may have binoculars to loan for your outing.)
Thursday, December 12, 2024, 8:30-10:30 AM
Ragle Ranch Regional Park
500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol
Leader: Janet Bosshard
Parking permit is required. We will meet back by the restrooms and dog park. Watch the weather, dress accordingly. Could be foggy or cold, Sonoma County weather is variable. Moderate to heavy rain, the walk will be cancelled. Info: (707) 480-3432.
Sunday, December 29, 2024 – All Day
West Sonoma County Christmas Bird Count
For info: cgrabill@gmail.com or johnlunchbag@gmail.com
4:30-7:30 p.m. – Post CBC simple, nutritious dinner & gathering, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol. $5-10 donation requested, not required. All members welcomed. Teams will report highlights of their day. Volunteers to help with dinner needed. Text or call 707-241-5548 (4 p.m. to 8 p.m. latest).
Thursday, January 9, 2025, 8:30-10:30 AM
Ellis Creek Ponds
3890 Cypress Drive, Petaluma
Leader: Janet Bosshard
From Hwy 101 south, get off at Hwy 116, left on Lakeville Hwy. Turn right on S. McDowell Blvd. Ext, right on Cypress Drive and follow to end through the gates. Park near the restrooms. Watch the weather. Be prepared for chilly, breezy conditions. Rain will cancel. Info: (707) 480-3432.
Saturday, January 18, 2025, 8:30-10:30 AM
Ellis Creek Ponds
3890 Cypress Drive, Petaluma
Leader: Linda Fraley
Take Highway 101 to Petaluma. Go East on 116 (Lakeville Highway). Turn right (south) on S. McDowell Blvd ext. Turn right on Cypress Drive. Go to the end of the road and through gates. Meet near restrooms. Info: (559) 779-5211. Rain cancels.
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 8:30-10:30 AM
Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail
Leader: Janet Bosshard
Meet in the parking lot off Hwy #12, before the gas station coming from the east. Dress for Sonoma County weather conditions. We will follow the paved trail and possibly the dirt channel trail, weather and muddy dependent. Info: (707) 480-3432. Rain will cancel the walk.
Other Groups' Field Trip Calendars
Sonoma Co. Regional Parks "Winging it Wednesdays"
Winging it Wednesdays
Redwood Region Ornithological Society (RROS)
RROS calendar
Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary Meetup group
Mayacamas group
Bay Area Calendar
Bay Area Calendar
Find us on Facebook 
It's Nesting Season: trim trees in the Fall!.
Amazon Smile: donate to Madrone when you shop
Birding Quiz - test your skills.
Leaves Newsletter
Carved Bird Pins
In the 1970s, member Tom Olds hand-carved bird pins and sold them to raise money for Madrone Audubon. More