Wildflowers bloom in a vineyard off of west Dry Creek Road near Healdsburg. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat file photo, 2011)

Wildflowers abound this time of year, and so do free, guided hikes by area groups that are aimed at identifying and exploring cool wildflowers. Below is information from the Sonoma County Regional Parks and from the Sonoma Land Trust, each of which is sponsoring a series of walks in the next few weeks. See all the details below.

UPDATE: This Saturday’s hike at Sonoma Valley Regional Park has been canceled due to the threat of rain.

From the Sonoma County Regional Parks:

Enjoy the springtime beauty of Sonoma County’s parks on a series of free, guided wildflower hikes. Hikers can expect to see colorful blooms in parks from Petaluma to Windsor and learn more about local wildflowers from Master Gardener volunteers.

The first hike is this
Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to noon at Sonoma Valley Regional Park, 13630 Sonoma Highway, in Glen Ellen. This walk begins on a paved path and is ADA accessible. Participants should meet in the parking lot for a prompt 10 a.m. start.

Future hikes include:

• March 31, Foothill Regional Park, Windsor, 10 a.m.-noon
• April 7, Helen Putnam Regional Park, Petaluma, 10 a.m.-noon
• April 14, Riverfront Regional Park, Windsor, 10 a.m.-noon
• April 21, Steelhead Beach Regional Park, Forestville, 10 a.m.-noon
• April 28, Crane Creek Regional Park, Rohnert Park, 10 a.m.-noon
• May 5, Shiloh Ranch Regional Park, Santa Rosa, 10 a.m.-noon
• May 12, Hood Mountain Regional Park, Santa Rosa, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (Meet in the Los Alamos Road parking lot)

For more details, visit
sonomacountyparks.org and click on the “Spring Hikes” link. Hikes range from easy to strenuous. Plan to meet in the parking lot at the designated time, no registration necessary. Dress for the weather (layered clothing best), wear good walking shoes and bring your own water and snack. Heavy rain cancels. Parking is $6 or free for Regional Parks members.

All hikes planned through May 5 are part of this year’s
iWALK Challenge.

And from the Sonoma Land Trust:

Spring is a fantastic time to get out and enjoy the abundance of wildflowers blooming in Sonoma County. Join us on our spring wildflower hikes and see what’s in bloom from the coast to the bay. These hikes are open to the public and free of charge. Please note that demand for Sonoma Land Trust’s wildflower hikes always exceeds the space available, so please register for one hike only so that more people may experience the wonder.

Sunday, April 1, 11am–3pm at Tolay Creek Ranch
Serpentine Blooms and Vast Views

Thursday, April 12, 5:30–8pm at Sears Point Ranch
Wildflowers and Moonrise

Sunday, April 22, 10am–2pm at Sears Point Ranch
Wildflowers and Vast Vistas

Saturday, April 28th, 10am-3pm at Jenner Headlands
Serpentine Wildflowers for Botany Enthusiasts

Saturday, May 19, 10am-3pm at Jenner Headlands
Wildflowers at Their Peak!

Please visit
Sonoma Land Trust for more information.