A few wise choices in planning your home’s landscape can assist a thriving efficient ecosystem and be quite beautiful as well. Providing some shade using larger shrubs and small trees, even if you have limited garden space, can temper heat extremes and provide food for any number of small creatures. Come to learn about plants that are native to Sonoma County, and how they may fit into your garden space. Hosted by Sonoma County Master Gardeners. Registration is encouraged. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about attending the talk.

Resilient Landscaping: Gardening in the Defensible Space Zone 4 Part Weekly Series Part 4 – Landscape Maintenance in the Defensible Space Zone Jennifer Roberts, Community Education Specialist & Landscape Designer, UCCE Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County & Native Habitats Landscape Design will be presenting Landscape Maintenance in the Defensible Space Zone. “The threats we face today—climate change, loss of biodiversity, drought, and wildfires—are daunting, but I believe in the power of collective action. My goal is to help people see that they are not powerless in the face of these challenges. Through education about resilient landscaping, I aim to…

Cloverdale Russian River Cleanup – First Sunday in July Help keep the Russian River clean year-round! Russian Riverkeeper’s monthly Cloverdale cleanup is a great way to give back to nature, connect with fellow volunteers, and protect our watershed from litter and pollution. What to Expect: Easy to medium-level cleanup—all are welcome! May drive to additional cleanup locations after meeting. All supplies provided—gloves, trash grabbers, and bags. Just bring your enthusiasm! Weather permitting—check for updates if conditions are uncertain.

Program: Ground covers serve many functions in the landscape, including suppressing weeds, reducing erosion, replacing lawns, softening hardscapes, and filling in large expanses. Native groundcovers have the benefits of being adapted to our environment and supporting native biodiversity. In addition, they often require little maintenance or water. In this presentation, we will discuss seventeen of our favorite native groundcovers. Speakers: Kathy Hunting, a Master Gardener since 2014, is an environmental health scientist by training. She lives on a sunny acre in Point Reyes Station where her garden is full of tasty vegetables and fruits. She also attempts to grow ornamentals that the…

Our aquatic environments need your help! Program Location: Steelhead Beach Regional Park Meeting Place: Parking Lot Whether lake or ocean, aquatic environments teem with life. They can also become repositories for trash and be overrun by invasive species that threaten that life. Remove trash, and possibly invasive species, to keep our shoreline and aquatic ecosystem healthy for native species. Snacks, refreshments and additional support of Regional Parks’ volunteer programs generously provided by Sonoma County Parks Foundation: https://www.sonomacountyparksfoundation.org/. Registration required. Recommended that participants dress in layers, wear comfortable, closed toe hiking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. Parking fees are…

Program: Composting, the mystery of gardening! Learn how to compost using kitchen and table scraps, dry and moist plant material to create nutrient-rich organic matter. Compost will improve your soil and plants, while at the same time reducing the waste in our landfills. Speaker: Joan Irwin has been a UC Master Gardener since 2003. She presents frequently on composting, organic gardening and community gardens. She learned to love gardening from her grandmother in Michigan and has gardened in the Bay Area for 40 years. Joan has degrees from the University of Michigan and UC Berkeley. Cost: FREE Sponsors: Marin Master Gardeners and…

Help keep this Russian River tributary clean year-round! This monthly cleanup is a great way to give back to nature, connect with fellow volunteers, and protect our watershed from litter and pollution. What to Expect It is recommended to wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and a hat. Please bring a water bottle and any other personal items you might need for a 2 hour cleanup. From the check-in location, volunteers will be able to choose various walking routes along the creek based on where the trash is.  All supplies provided—gloves, trash grabbers, and bags. Just bring your enthusiasm! Weather permitting—check for email updates if conditions…

Program: Are you new to gardening, or considering making some changes to your garden this fall? Come learn about 20 plants that do exceptionally well in Marin gardens. One of these perennials and shrubs is sure to appeal to you. We will discuss growth habits, cultural requirements and drought tolerance for each plant. Speakers: Arlene Banks has been a Master Gardener since 2020. She has lived in San Rafael for over 30 years and during that time has learned what plants grow well in the Marin microclimate. Arlene enjoys visiting gardens, talking to other gardeners and working in her own garden. Geri Cooper has…

Program Location: Ragle Ranch Regional Park Meeting Place: East of playground Mulch protects native trees and plants by preventing soil compaction and by smothering competing invasive weeds. Get hands-on and dirty adding and spreading mulch to help native plants thrive. All tools, gloves, and materials supplied. Snacks, refreshments and additional support of Regional Parks’ volunteer programs generously provided by Sonoma County Parks Foundation: https://www.sonomacountyparksfoundation.org/. Registration required. Recommended that participants dress in layers, wear comfortable, closed toe hiking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. Most programs will happen rain or shine, but may be canceled during heavy rains, heavy smoke,…

Help grow native plants for seed production and future habitat restoration projects. No experience needed—training, tools & snacks provided! Grow Native Seeds for Restoration—Volunteer at the Seed Farm! Help cultivate native plants that will support restoration projects. Join Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation at their new 1-acre native seed farm and be part of an exciting effort to grow a reliable supply of locally sourced native seed for future habitat restoration. Support Restoration from the Ground Up The Laguna Foundation’s native seed farm is helping address a critical need for locally adapted native seed. What began as seedlings in our…

Eco-Wise Workshop Series 2026 Topic: Strategies for greening your business Location: Cotati Council Chambers, 201 W. Sierra Avenue, Cotati Presenters: Oliver’s Markets, County of Sonoma Energy and Sustainability Division, Rohnert Park and Cotati Chambers of Commerce Description: Increase both the environmental sustainability and bottom line of your business with tips from the pros! Green business champion, Oliver’s Markets, shares their best practices. Find out how you can become a Certified Green Business, and hear about the local business landscape with the Cotati and Rohnert Park Chambers of Commerce.

Dialing in your plants’ needs as the summer moves to fall can be tricky. Learn how can you maximize garden productivity without overwatering as temperature and day-lengths change. Find out how flourishing plants, Red Flag Days, critters in the garden, and new transplants should guide your fall garden to-do list. A UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County event in partnership with the City of Santa Rosa. 15-minute presentation followed by 15-minute Q&A. Live Spanish translation during the webinar. Presentation by Master Gardener Mary Lou Milkoff. Registration is free!