Community Education
Walks, Talks, and ClassesThe Laguna Foundation is proud to collaborate with local biologists, artists, educators, naturalists, and partner organizations to offer a wide range of natural and cultural history online programs, presentations, and outings all year long. Whether you’d like to learn a new skill, enjoy the beautiful Laguna scenery, or attend a fun event with your family, the Laguna Foundation has a variety of offerings to deepen your appreciation for the Laguna de Santa Rosa, connect with nature, and inspire a vibrant community dedicated to lifelong learning.
Please note: Heavy smoke, excessive heat, or heavy rain cancels outdoor programs. Lastly, please let us know in advance if you can no longer attend an outing so we can offer a spot to someone on the wait-list.
Select webinar recordings can be found on our YouTube channel.
For more information, contact Ashley Carreño, Education Coordinator, at (707) 527-9277 xt. 108 or by email
January 2025
Orientation for Learning Laguna Docent Training
Friday, January 24, 2025. 10:00 am – Noon
FREE. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Learning Laguna Docents are trained volunteers who teach the Learning Laguna school program in 2nd-4th grade classrooms throughout the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed and during student field trips to Laguna preserves. Docents are essential to our programs and help the children of our community deepen their enthusiasm, appreciation, and knowledge of the Laguna de Santa Rosa ecosystem and their home environment.
At each orientation event, we will provide an overview of the training course and the role and expectation of docents in teaching our specially-designed activities for the classroom and the field details. Some of the activities will be on display so you can see how fun and engaging they are (and easy to lead, too!)
The training course takes place on eight consecutive Tuesdays between March 4–April 22. The training cost $175.00 (reduced rates available) and covers the course materials. In addition to the Tuesday classes, trainees choose dates to shadow a current Docent in action during Learning Laguna to put all the learning, practice, and training into context.
Upon completion of the training course, docents volunteer 6 to 8 weekday mornings between September and October, and another 6 to 8 times between March and May. Docents are part of the Laguna Education Team, and are invited to participate in fun opportunities for continuing education, special outings, and social events with fellow education volunteers.
The Underwater World of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Presentation with Jennifer Stock, Media Liaison and Education Specialist for NOAA Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries
Friday, January 24, 2025. 6:00 – 7:30pm
Sliding Scale: $10 – $15. Registration requiredLocation: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is entirely offshore. Within its 1,286 square miles, the sanctuary protects soft seafloor habitat, a rocky bank, deep sea canyons, and communities of wildlife throughout. Its surface waters are feeding areas for local and migratory seabirds and marine mammals. During this engaging evening, we will learn about the history of National Marine Sanctuaries and hear ecosystem stories of Cordell Bank with pictures and video focused on who lives there, species of special concern, regional climate impacts and what is being done to help mitigate them, and much more.
Special Add-on: Optional Virtual Reality Experience: Dive on Cordell Bank!
5:00 – 5:45 pm or 7:45 – 8:30 pm
Sliding scale: $15 – $25. Registration required.Put on a VR headset and explore Cordell Bank without getting wet! Experience a 360 degree view while being virtually immersed in this beautiful underwater environment that is right off the Sonoma Coast. Discover colorful corals and anemones, rockfish, jellies, ocean sunfish, and more. The virtual experience is approx. 10 minutes. Arrive anytime between 5:00-5:30 pm (pre-presentation time block) or stay after the presentation for the 7:45-8:30 pm (after-presentation time block). Engaging educational displays will be available to explore, too!
Jennifer Stock is the Media Liaison and Education Specialist for NOAA Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. She has led education and outreach for Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary for over 20 years bringing this offshore underwater wonder to us through exhibits, multimedia experiences, curriculum, education programming, and live expeditions. She has seen the bank up close through a submersible, led wildlife watching trips offshore, participated in underwater exploration expeditions and enjoys showing off this wondrous underwater jewel to increase awe and appreciation of our ocean and National Marine Sanctuaries. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is managed along with Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary under NOAA.
Also joining us this evening:
Justin Holl is an Education & Outreach Specialist for NOAA’s Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. He manages the sanctuary Visitor Center at Crissy Field in San Francisco, and teaches marine science for schools and communities throughout the Bay Area.
Janai Southworth is a Naturalist with the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Board President of the San Francisco Microscopical Society, and a plankton enthusiast.
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February
Fresh Pressed Flowers Workshop with Jan Lochner
Saturday, February 1, 2025. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
$35. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Experimenting and creating with pressed flowers is a wonderful way to make thoughtful gifts for Valentine's Day and getting ready for Spring!
Step into the world of flower pressing with local gardener and Laguna Foundation volunteer, Jan Lochner, in this hands-on, make-and-take workshop. Jan will guide you through the simple yet beautiful art of pressing flowers, sharing her tips and techniques along the way. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore your creativity while learning a timeless craft.
You'll have the chance to create your own unique, nature-inspired items—ranging from bookmarks and cards to window ornaments and refrigerator magnets. All materials, including flowers, will be provided, so all you need to bring is an open mind and a smile! This workshop is suitable for participants ages 8 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult).
Come join us for a fun, relaxing, and informative session, and leave with your very own pressed flower creations to enjoy at home. We can’t wait to share the joy of this easy and rewarding craft with you!
The Artist: Jan Lochner has been creating note cards from pressed flowers as a hobby for 25 years. She uses color, shape, and texture on fine quality paper, making each hand-made card unique. Her home in Sebastopol is her workshop with the dining room table seldom clear and kitchen cupboards filled with bags and boxes of flowers that she collects from her garden and other local sources.
Native Plant Garden Volunteer Day
Friday, February 7, 2025. 9:00 am – Noon
FREE. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Share your passion for pollinators by helping our native plant garden thrive! Volunteers are essential in beautifying our site. Activities include planting, weeding, pruning, and spreading wood chips. No experience necessary, just a willingness to learn about native plants. Training and tools will be provided plus abundant and hearty snacks! Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Only heavy rain cancels.
Orientation for Learning Laguna Docent Training
Tuesday, February 11, 2025. 10:00 am – Noon
FREE. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Learning Laguna Docents are trained volunteers who teach the Learning Laguna school program in 2nd-4th grade classrooms throughout the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed and during student field trips to Laguna preserves. Docents are essential to our programs and help the children of our community deepen their enthusiasm, appreciation, and knowledge of the Laguna de Santa Rosa ecosystem and their home environment.
At each orientation event, we will provide an overview of the training course and the role and expectation of docents in teaching our specially-designed activities for the classroom and the field details. Some of the activities will be on display so you can see how fun and engaging they are (and easy to lead, too!)
The training course takes place on eight consecutive Tuesdays between March 4–April 22. The training cost $175.00 (reduced rates available) and covers the course materials. In addition to the Tuesday classes, trainees choose dates to shadow a current Docent in action during Learning Laguna to put all the learning, practice, and training into context.
Upon completion of the training course, docents volunteer 6 to 8 weekday mornings between September and October, and another 6 to 8 times between March and May. Docents are part of the Laguna Education Team, and are invited to participate in fun opportunities for continuing education, special outings, and social events with fellow education volunteers.
Presented in Partnership With:
Laguna Stewards Day at the Laguna Uplands Preserve
Saturday, February 15, 2025. 9:00 am – Noon
FREE. Registration required.Location: Laguna Uplands Preserve, 6700 Palm Ave, Sebastopol, CA
Join us for a fun and meaningful day of hands-on stewardship at the Laguna Uplands Preserve! Celebrate over 20 years of restoration as we work together to nurture this beautiful site, which has made incredible strides in returning to its natural beauty. It’s now a vibrant sanctuary for both wildlife and people, and we’d love for you to be a part of its ongoing transformation.
Explore breathtaking views of the Laguna Watershed, stroll through a young forest of native trees, and discover a thriving ecosystem of diverse plants and growing shrubs. As we continue our stewardship efforts, you’ll learn about the rich history of the Uplands and play a role in shaping its future.
Whether you're new to ecological restoration or an experienced volunteer, all ages and abilities are welcome. Let’s come together to create the next 20 years of success for the Uplands Preserve. We can’t wait to see you there!
PLEASE NOTE: All ages are welcome! No experience is necessary; tools and training are provided.
There is no charge for this event, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax.
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Día de Laguna Stewards en Uplands Preserve
Sábado 15 de febrero de 2025. 9 a.m. – mediodía
GRATIS. Se requiere registro.Ubicación: Laguna Uplands Preserve, 6700 Palm Ave, Sebastopol, CA
¡Únase a nosotros para disfrutar de un día divertido y significativo atendiendo a la reserva Laguna Uplands! Celebre más de 20 años de restauración mientras trabajamos juntos para cuidar este hermoso sitio, que ha logrado avances increíbles para recuperar su belleza natural. Ahora es un santuario vibrante tanto para la vida silvestre como para las personas, y nos encantaría que fuera parte de su transformación continua.
Explore las impresionantes vistas de la cuenca de Laguna, camine por un bosque joven de árboles nativos y descubra un ecosistema próspero de diversas plantas y arbustos en crecimiento. A medida que continuamos con nuestros esfuerzos de gestión, aprenderá sobre la rica historia de la Laguna Uplands y será parte dando forma a su futuro.
Ya sea que sea nuevo en la restauración ecológica o un voluntario experimentado, todas las edades y habilidades son bienvenidas. Unámonos para crear los próximos 20 años de éxito para la reserva Uplands. ¡Estamos ansiosos por verlos allí!
NOTA: ¡Se aceptan personas de todas las edades! No se necesita experiencia, se proporcionan herramientas y capacitación.
No hay ningún costo por este evento, que es posible gracias a los votantes del condado de Sonoma que financian el trabajo de Ag + Open Space con un impuesto sobre las ventas de un cuarto de centavo.
Orientation for Learning Laguna Docent Training
Friday, February 21, 2025. 10:00 am – Noon
FREE. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Learning Laguna Docents are trained volunteers who teach the Learning Laguna school program in 2nd-4th grade classrooms throughout the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed and during student field trips to Laguna preserves. Docents are essential to our programs and help the children of our community deepen their enthusiasm, appreciation, and knowledge of the Laguna de Santa Rosa ecosystem and their home environment.
At each orientation event, we will provide an overview of the training course and the role and expectation of docents in teaching our specially-designed activities for the classroom and the field details. Some of the activities will be on display so you can see how fun and engaging they are (and easy to lead, too!)
The training course takes place on eight consecutive Tuesdays between March 4–April 22. The training cost $175.00 (reduced rates available) and covers the course materials. In addition to the Tuesday classes, trainees choose dates to shadow a current Docent in action during Learning Laguna to put all the learning, practice, and training into context.
Upon completion of the training course, docents volunteer 6 to 8 weekday mornings between September and October, and another 6 to 8 times between March and May. Docents are part of the Laguna Education Team, and are invited to participate in fun opportunities for continuing education, special outings, and social events with fellow education volunteers.
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March
Fine Twining Three-Square Workshop
With Charlie Kennard
Saturday, March 1, 2025. 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
$120. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn the art of crafting delicate, twined baskets using a charming, diminutive relative of tule. Not only is this natural material beautifully fragrant, but its strength and softness make it perfect for a variety of weaving techniques. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, this workshop invites you to explore the soothing rhythms of weaving while creating a unique, functional piece of art. Come immerse yourself in the process, and leave with your very own handmade basket!
Participants must bring a water bowl, a pair of scissors and lunch!
Instructor Bio: Charlie Kennard of San Anselmo is a long-time basket weaver and student of California Indian and other Traditional Basketry techniques. He has taught for the Point Reyes Field Institute, East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, the Laguna Environmental Center in Santa Rosa and in many schools and at teacher trainings. Tule boats made in his workshops can be seen at the Bay Model in Sausalito, Lake County Museum, and another is in the collection of the Oakland Museum. You can also visit a basketry plant garden Charlie has created at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross. Charlie is active in native habitat restoration in Marin, managing several projects for Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed.
Registration Opens
January 15 at 9 am
California Tiger Salamander Terrestrial Ecology
With Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez
Friday, March 7, 2025. 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
$325. Registration required.
Lecture Location: Laguna Environmental Center, Heron Hall, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Field Trip Location in Sonoma CountyThis workshop is designed to provide practical training to professional biologists, resources managers, and students on the terrestrial ecology, land use management, and regulations of the California tiger salamander (CTS). The lecture session will include a review of the biology, upland habitat use, and migration patterns of CTS, the theory and design of roadway tunnels to facilitate safe passage of migrating salamanders; design of pitfall trap arrays; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife approved survey protocols; and implementing and monitoring land use management practices. The afternoon will consist of field trips that will provide training and hands-on experience. A pitfall trap and fence array will be constructed by attendees. Three CTS tunnel systems along roadways will be visited and discussed.
Instructor Bio: Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez are experts on amphibian and reptile ecology and conservation, conduct herpetological research, and hold state and federal permits for three pond species.
January 15 at 9 am
Rare Pond Species Survey Techniques Workshop
With Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez
Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9, 2025.
$475. Registration required.
Lecture Location: Laguna Environmental Center, Heron Hall, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Field Trip Location in Sonoma CountyThis workshop is designed to provide practical training on aquatic survey techniques for the California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog, and western pond turtle. The range of these three rare and protected species overlap and they often occur in similar pond habitats. The lecture session will include a review of the biology and ecology of these species, identification of life stages, state and federal regulations, and approved survey protocols. The field trip sessions will provide field training in aquatic survey techniques, including dip net sampling for CTS larvae, evening spotlighting for frogs, and turtle visual encounter surveys and trapping.
Instructor Bio: Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez are experts on amphibian and reptile ecology and conservation, conduct herpetological research, and hold state and federal permits for three pond species.
Native Plant Garden Volunteer Day
Friday, March 14, 2025. 9:00 am – Noon
FREE. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Share your passion for pollinators by helping our native plant garden thrive! Volunteers are essential in beautifying our site. Activities include planting, weeding, pruning, and spreading wood chips. No experience necessary, just a willingness to learn about native plants. Training and tools will be provided plus abundant and hearty snacks! Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Only heavy rain cancels.
Presented in Partnership With:
Laguna Stewards Day at Meadowlark Field
Saturday, March 15, 2025. 9:00 am – Noon
FREE. Registration required.Location: Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail, 6303 California 12, Santa Rosa, CA
Come be part of a fun and rewarding volunteer experience while enjoying the beautiful outdoors along the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail at Meadowlark Field. This special spot has a complex history and has seen many restoration efforts over the years. It's also the site of our very first planting project on land accessible to the public, and we’d love for you to visit if you haven’t already! Join us in helping care for and preserve this incredible space—it’s a great way to make a difference while connecting with nature. We hope to see you there!
Bring a friend! Bring the kids! No experience needed. Tools and training provided. Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Please bring a water bottle, a smile and some elbow grease. Only heavy rain cancels.
PLEASE NOTE: All ages are welcome! No experience is necessary; tools and training are provided.
There is no charge for this event, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax.
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Día de Laguna Stewards en Meadowlark Field
Sábado 15 de marzo de 2025. 9 a.m. – mediodía
GRATIS. Se requiere registro.Ubicación: Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail, 6303 California 12, Santa Rosa, CA
¡Ven a ser parte de una experiencia de voluntariado divertida y gratificante mientras disfrutas del hermoso aire libre a lo largo del sendero Laguna de Santa Rosa en Meadowlark Field! Este lugar especial tiene una historia compleja y ha sido testigo de muchos esfuerzos de restauración a lo largo de los años. También es el sitio de nuestro primer proyecto de restauración en un terreno accesible al público, ¡y nos encantaría que lo visites si aún no lo has hecho! Únete a nosotros para ayudar a cuidar y preservar este increíble espacio: es una excelente manera de marcar la diferencia mientras te conectas con la naturaleza. ¡Esperamos verte allí!
¡Trae a un amigo! ¡Trae a los niños! No se necesita experiencia. Se proporcionan herramientas y capacitación. Usa ropa y zapatos que se puedan ensuciar. Trae una botella de agua, una sonrisa y algo de esfuerzo. Solo se cancelan las lluvias intensas.
NOTA: ¡Se aceptan personas de todas las edades! No se necesita experiencia, se proporcionan herramientas y capacitación.
No hay ningún costo por este evento, que es posible gracias a los votantes del condado de Sonoma que financian el trabajo de Ag + Open Space con un impuesto sobre las ventas de un cuarto de centavo.
Introduction to Native Bees
With Kandis Gilmore
Saturday, March 15, 2025. 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
$35. Registration Required.Location: Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Did you know that California is home to over 1,600 unique species of bees? While many are familiar with the European Honey Bee, Apis mellifera, and might recognize a bumble bee or carpenter bee, there’s a vast world of diverse and fascinating native bees thriving in our gardens and natural landscapes, waiting to be explored!
Join entomologist Kandis Gilmore for an engaging day all about native bees. This hands-on workshop starts indoors, where you'll learn to identify major bee families. Then, we'll head outside to observe these bees in their natural habitats at the Laguna Foundation, practicing safe catch-and-release techniques. We'll finish by comparing live specimens to pinned ones and exploring field guides. Don't miss this chance to connect with the buzzing life around us!
Instructor Bio: Kandis Gilmore is broadly trained in organismal biology and ecology. She has worked as a field assistant in the rocky intertidal, oak woodlands, and vernal pool grassland ecosystems. She received her Master's of Science degree from Sonoma State Biology Department in 2017. Her master's thesis research focused on pollinators of three of Sonoma County's endemic and endangered vernal pool plant species Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine), Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam, and Lasthenia burkei (Burke's Goldfields). Kandis serves on the Board of Directors of Conservation Works, and served as President of the Pacific Coast Entomological Society during 2020-2021.
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For more information, contact Ashley Carreño, Education Coordinator
(707) 527-9277 xt. 108 or by email
. Banner Image by Gary Hundt
