✨ Wildflower Series: California Poppy 🌟
The California Poppy became the state flower in 1903. This common species is known for its bright orange, sometimes yellow, silky petals and blue-green foliage that bloom in the spring through the late summer months. The cup-shaped flower has a unique feature, following a circadian rhythm in response to darkness. The plant “sleeps” or closes up when the sun goes down and during cloudy weather.
Beyond just being pretty to look at, California poppies also play a crucial role in our native habitats. The flower is a vital food source for a variety of creatures, including birds, small herbivores, butterflies, bees and other important pollinators. This, in turn, supports the rich biodiversity that thrives within our ecosystems.
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#wildflowers #wildflowerseason #californiawildflowers #springblooms #flowerstagram #blooms #nature #naturelovers #naturephotography #getoutside #exploremore #outdoorlife #optoutside #beautifuldestinations #sonomacounty #californianature #flora #botany #nativeplants
✨ Wildflower Series: Lupine 🌟
Wild lupine brings serious color to California landscapes 🌸 Blooming from February through July, its flowers range from crisp white to deep blues and reddish-purple, often shifting to richer hues after pollination. With its signature star-like leaves (made up of 5–9 leaflets), this native plant thrives in all kinds of places, from coastal bluffs to mountain meadows and even disturbed areas.
You’ll spot it across the Sierra Nevada, Coast Ranges, and sunny, sandy spots, lighting up spring and summer with vibrant purple blooms.
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#wildflowers #wildflowerseason #californiawildflowers #springblooms #flowerstagram #blooms #nature #naturelovers #naturephotography #getoutside #exploremore #outdoorlife #optoutside #earthfocus
Blue-eyed grass is a striking California native that blooms from spring through summer, often found in open fields and woodlands. Its delicate blue-lavender petals are beautifully contrasted by bright yellow centers, making it a standout in the landscape. While its gray-green stems and thin, sword-like leaves may suggest it’s a type of grass, this charming plant is actually a member of the Iris family.
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#wildflowers #wildflowerseason #californiawildflowers #springblooms #flowerstagram #blooms #nature #naturelovers #naturephotography #getoutside #exploremore #outdoorlife #optoutside
Wildflower season is in full swing across Sonoma County 🌼🌿These photos were taken at the stunning Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve in Sonoma, where @sonomaecologycenter is leading wildflower walks co-hosted by Ag + Open Space on this limited-access property.
But you don’t have to go far to catch the show. Hillsides, open spaces and meadows throughout the county are bursting with blooms right now. Keep an eye out on your next walk or drive… you might be surrounded by wildflowers without even realizing it!
For more outings and adventures visit the link in our bio! 🌸✨
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#getoutside #wildflower #landconservation #conservation #nature
After the rains, wildflowers will be filling the landscape again with bright bursts of orange, purple, yellow and blue. Every week looks a little different as new blooms take center stage and familiar spots turn into something unexpectedly beautiful.
Make plans this weekend to get outside and see what is blooming near you. 🌷☀️
#Wildflowers #SpringBlooms #CaliforniaWildflowers #SonomaCounty #GetOutside #NatureLovers #BloomSeason #NativePlants #OptOutside #ExploreOutdoors
Find the joy wherever you are 🌼✨
Maybe it’s in a patch of wildflowers swaying in the breeze, a laugh shared while skateboarding with friends, or that quiet moment at the top of a hill after a good hike. Happiness doesn’t have to be big, it just has to be noticed.
There’s a whole world of small, beautiful moments waiting just outside your door. Come find yours with us 💛🌿
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#getoutside #naturelovers #outdoors #adventure #hiking #wildflowers #skateboarding #friends #staywild #optoutside #goodtimesoutside
☀️🌷 Wildflower season came in HOT and Sonoma County’s hillsides, meadows and open spaces are bursting with fresh blooms.
In April, we are partnering with local organizations to offer guided wildflower outings where you can learn plant names, hear from naturalists, learn about these spectacular plants, and visit conserved lands that are not always open to the public. Our partners are hosting a number of opportunities to soak up the sunshine, and there's something for everyone.
Find the full line-up of outings through the link in our bio!
ICYMI: Our staff loved this trend so much, it required a Part 2!
To recap: from the first idea to real impact, it takes a lot of people working together to protect open space. Staff, partners and the community work to ensure the land is cared for now and for future generations.
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#BabyPicTrend #SonomaCounty #AgAndOpenSpace #ConservationCareers #BabyPicTrend #Bay #trends
There is something special about the little moments spent outdoors with friends. 🌊🌲
A quiet walk beneath the redwoods, laughter carried on ocean air, the kind of memories that do not ask for attention but stay with you anyway.
In Sonoma County open spaces, these moments come naturally simple, fleeting and worth holding onto. It's one of the many reasons we conserve Land for Life. 💛
Treasure. Every. Last. One.
📍Estero Americano Coast Preserve
#SonomaCounty #OpenSpaces #Redwoods #OceanViews #MakeMemories #NatureTogether #SimpleMoments #GetOutside #Ocean #Friends #Memories #LittleMoments
👶🌱Before conserved lands were thriving farms, protected habitats and open spaces for all to enjoy… they were just an idea, and behind those ideas are people. Planners, scientists, farmers, data enthusiasts, conservationists and community partners all working together to care for the land we share.
From those early “baby steps” to lasting impact, it takes a whole community, and a whole range of careers, dedicated to preserving open space for everyone, now and for generations to come.
#BabyPicTrend #SonomaCounty #AgAndOpenSpace #ConservationCareers #BabyPicTrend
Spring is calving season in Sonoma County 🐄🌱
You may see cows and young calves grazing on our protected lands this time of year. For your safety and theirs, please give them plenty of space, keep dogs on leash and stay aware of your surroundings on the trail 🚶🐕
Respecting working lands helps protect animals, people and the future of local agriculture 🌾
#CalvingSeason #WorkingLands #SonomaCounty #TrailSafety #FarmLife #KeepYourDistance #Cow #Calves #Ag #AgLands #Ranch #Farm
The Neighborhood Parks Workshop outlines Sonoma County’s approach to planning and delivering neighborhood parks as small, community-serving spaces within walking distance of residents. The workshop highlights General Plan policy direction, multiple development models, and the growing role of cross-department collaboration among Regional Parks, Permit Sonoma, Ag + Open Space and Public Infrastructure.
The presentation and discussion will be begin shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday March 24.
Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting using one of the three following methods, the link in our bio has more information:
1. WATCH LIVESTREAM
2. LISTEN TO MEETING IN ZOOM
3. LISTEN AND ATTEND IN PERSON: Members of the public may attend the meeting in person in the Board of Supervisors Chambers located at 575 Administration, Room 100A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Members of the public may also listen to the Board meeting in the Administration Building hall or outside the main entrance.
