Sonoma Ecology Center

Sonoma Ecology Center enhances and sustains the beauty and biodiversity of our community. Established in 1990 as a grassroots, community-oriented organization, we seek to “think globally, act locally” about our environment. We increase appreciation and stewardship of the region’s natural heritage, and create measurable benefits related to water, land, biodiversity, and energy. We are scientifically-based and community-focused. Our restoration program repairs and protects our natural heritage. We work in habitats in streams and on land – planting trees, removing invasive weeds, fostering biodiversity, restoring habitat, and improving water quality and water supply, controlling erosion, managing stormwater and restoring fish passage. Our research program employs the best available science to prioritize, plan, design, and monitor projects. We understand our watershed by monitoring and modeling water quality, fish and wildlife populations, geomorphic processes, land use, sediment production and more. Our GIS and informatics capabilities are the means by which we manage our eco-information. We're skilled in leading commercial and open source software operation and design, including groundwater recharge mapping, cartography, GIS setup and training, online libraries and data portals. Our education program reaches over 1,200 K-12 students each year in classrooms and field trips. For both adults and children, we also offer a wide range of guided walks and workshops annually.