apple blossoms

April Along the Farm Trails

Earth Day, Passover & Spring Events

Happy April! In this newsletter, we feature farm-fresh ways to celebrate Earth Day (or Month!) and Passover, plus farm-related events, with an emphasis on Mother's Day. We are just one month away from our annual Blossoms, Bees & Barnyard Babies Spring Tour so sign up today and start planning your agrarian adventure! And on Saturday, April 27, Farm Trails will have a float at the Apple Blossom Parade in Sebastopol, where we will be distributing our brand-new beautiful 2024 Map & Guide. We hope to see you there!


As always, visit FarmTrails.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for even more news, offerings, and events!

Register for Our Blossoms, Bees & Barnyard Babies Spring Tour on May 4 & 5!


Our members are excited to welcome you to their farms, ranches, creameries, wineries, and foodie hot-spots during our Blossoms, Bees & Barnyard Babies Spring Tour on Saturday & Sunday, May 4 & 5. We'll have a wonderful range of offerings for all ages:


  • Guided farm, orchard, and creamery tours
  • Farm animal experiences
  • U-pick
  • Demos and workshops
  • Kids' activities
  • Special tastings
  • Workshops
  • Farm stands overflowing with Spring bounty
  • and lots more!


Registration is FREE but required. Note that not all tour stops will be open both days, and some may require reservations and charge a fee. Full details will be provided via email upon registration.

REGISTER FOR SPRING TOUR

Earth Day Along the Farm Trails

EARTH WEEK NATURE HIKES AT JORDAN WINERY

Saturday & Sunday, April 20 & 21, 9:45 am to 2 pm

Celebrate Earth Week at Jordan Winery with a Sonoma hiking excursion, featuring mountain views, wildlife, vineyards, pollinator sanctuaries, and a wine pairing lunch. For the first time, guests will have the opportunity to Plant A Pollinator at Vista Point and add to Jordan Winery’s pollinator sanctuaries that span nearly 10 acres across the estate. This is a zero-waste event; bring your own water bottle, please. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg. RSVP online.


EARTH DAY AT LUTHER BURBANK EXPERIMENT FARM

Saturday, April 20, 10 am to 2 pm

Celebrate Earth Day at the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm. Learn about composting and fruit tree care, shop from their plant sale, go on a garden tour, and more. Free family event! 7777 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol.


GALLERY & GARDEN TOURS AT LAGUNA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

Saturday, April 20, 1 to 3 pm

Happy Earth Day! Enjoy the current exhibit at Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, "Water and Dreams,” photography by Robin Dintiman, then walk around the native plant demonstration garden. Free. No RSVP necessary. Garden tours at 1:15 pm and 2:15 pm. Laguna Environmental Center, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa.


EARTH MONTH TASTING AT MCEVOY RANCH

Through April 30

In honor of Earth Month, join McEvoy Ranch all month for a plant-based tasting featuring five seasonal offerings including, but not limited to, fresh pesto couscous, Midnight Moon cheese balls topped with sesame seeds & fig jam, and French vanilla cream tart, all paired with a glass of their 2022 Blue Sky Chardonnay. While visiting, add on their new Spring Lunch Menu available for preorder. Wine & beverages available for purchase upon arrival. 5935 Red Hill Road, Petaluma. RSVP online.


EARTH DAY EVENTS AT ST. FRANCIS WINERY & VINEYARDS

Friday to Monday, April 19 to 22

As part of their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards is offering two unique and limited-time experiences to commemorate Earth Day. Enjoy a unique Plant-Based Estate Pairing experience with family-style vegetarian tapas crafted with farm-fresh ingredients and paired with St. Francis Winery’s wines. Also go on a Guided Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting in their sustainably farmed Wild Oak Vineyard complete with an exclusive tasting of their illustrious Artisan wines. RSVP required. 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa.

Passover Along the Farm Trails


Passover begins on April 22 this year, and Farm Trails members have a wonderful range of foods for your Seder.


MATZO & MORE

  • Double A Walnuts: Organic California-grown walnuts available by phone order (707-849-7365) or at the Beet Generation Farm stand at the Santa Rosa Original Farmers' Market
  • Jupiter Foods: Matzo ball mix, salted and everything matzo crackers, matzo chips, halva in several flavors
  • Penngrove Market: Matzah Ball Soup and Potato Vegetable Latkes made in their kitchen the weekend prior to Passover


BRISKET & CHICKEN


EGGS


CARROTS, POTATOES, SPRING VEGGIES & BITTER HERBS

Visit local farm stands and farmers' market for the freshest produce for your Seder, including at the following:

Upcoming Farm Trails Member Events

dutton estate guests at a table

OPENING DAY AT HEALDSBURG FARMERS' MARKET

Saturday, April 13, 8:30 am to 12 pm

The Healdsburg Farmers' Market opens for the season on Saturday, April 13, going through December 21. Shop for fresh produce, meats, bakery items, flowers, crafts, and more. You'll find a number of Farm Trails members there! At the West Plaza Parking Lot, one block off the Plaza.


SPRING PLANT SALE AT PETALUMA BOUNTY

Saturday & Sunday, April 20 & 21

Head to Petaluma Bounty for their annual Spring Plant Sale. Saturday is reserved for immunocompromised folks, people with disabilities, or CalFresh/EBT customers; 2 to 4:30 pm. Signups encouraged by not required. Sunday is for all customers, 9 am to 3 pm; no signups. Master Gardeners will be hosting a succulent sales on Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm. 55 Shasta Ave., Petaluma.


ORCHARD WALK AT GOLD RIDGE ORGANIC FARMS

Saturday, April 27; tours 11 am and 1 pm; farm shop hours 10 am to 4 pm

Join Gold Ridge Organic Farms during Sebastopol's beloved Apple Blossom Festival weekend for a guided orchard stroll of over 12,000 apple trees of approximately 75 varieties. Farmer Brooke is offering walks through the rows to celebrate the season. Taste all of the versatile fruit in farm-fresh products including apple cider syrup, apple cider vinegar, and apple cider balsamic vinegar, as well as citrus shrubs made with Meyer Lemons and Mandarin-Kumquats grown at the farm. Plus, enjoy special food pairings to celebrate the glory of the season. RSVP online for guided tour. 3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol.


MOTHER'S DAY EVENT AT OAK HILL FARM

Saturday, May 11, 9 am to 3 pm

The Red Barn at Oak Hill Farm will be open for a Mother's Day Weekend Celebration. They will have a wonderful array of vendors and a farm tour at 10 am. Bring the family and enjoy some quality time on the farm in spring! 15101 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen.


SIPS & SUCCULENTS: MOTHER'S DAY AT DUTTON ESTATE WINERY

Saturday, May 11

Celebrate Mom while unleashing your DIY creativity at Dutton Estate Winery! Immerse yourself in the spring blooms of their vineyard garden, enjoy your choice of a glass of wine and a sweet Mother's Day treat, and craft your very own succulent arrangement in their adorable logo glasses. Tickets online. 8757 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol.


THE PINK PARTY AT DUTTON ESTATE WINERY

Sunday, May 12, 1 to 4 pm

(Photo above) Wear pink at this spring fete to taste the release of the 2023 Rosé of Dutton Estate Winery. A selection of wines and afternoon garden bites complete the celebration! Tickets online. 8757 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol.


MOTHER'S DAY AT GARDEN VALLEY RANCH

Sunday, May 12

Celebrate Mom at Garden Valley Ranch! Advanced reservations are required for all activities. If you would like to bring a picnic, please reserve a table. Tables are 5 foot rounds with a linen and seats 6-8 people. Enjoy the day in the sun amongst blooming fields of garden roses. Please remember to pack it in, pack it out. You can also to forage for fresh flowers from the fields to take home. Flower foraging is $50 per person. If you would like to stop by and walk around, please book a self-guided tour for $20 per person (12 years and older). RSVP online. 498 Pepper Road, Petaluma.


MOTHER'S DAY TEA & FASHION SHOWCASE AT MCEVOY RANCH

Sunday, May 12, 11 am

Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day like never before at McEvoy Ranch! Enjoy an afternoon tea service and fashion showcase where they'll welcome Italian fashion house Evaro Italia to showcase their Spring line. You’ll experience a proper afternoon tea menu, along with estate tea sampling, and a splash of wine! RSVP online. 5935 Red Hill Road, Petaluma.

Three Ways to Learn More About Our 220+ Members!


  1. Visit: FarmTrails.org
  2. Read: Member Spotlights
  3. Listen: NorCal Public Media Farm Tales
OUR MISSION
Sonoma County Farm Trails is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization found in 1973 to connect the public to Sonoma County farmers and producers to ensure the economic viability of local ag and to instill an appreciation of ag as a vital part of our community. Farm Trails Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide training and services for the agricultural community and to educate the public about the importance of supporting local food systems.

FARM TRAILS STAFF

  • Carmen Snyder, Executive Director & Gravenstein Apple Fair Producer
  • Ellen Cavalli, Program Manager
  • Nina Caputo, Gravenstein Apple Fair Planning & Production Manager
  • Pam Davis, Gravenstein Apple Fair Operations Manager
  • Lisa Rose, Photographer
  • Kristina Muelrath, Bookkeeper
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  • Vince Trotter, President
  • Lauren Bowne, Secretary
  • Alexandra Fox, Treasurer
  • Karen Bianchi-Moreda, Director
  • Andrea Krout, Director
  • Alan Siegle, Director
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