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Every donation matters. Support our volunteer and education programs, preservation of ancient forests, and restoration of the natural and cultural resources that help make park visits cherished memories.
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January 6, 2022
Dear Stewards,
I hope this finds you safe and warm during this series of unusual weather events. I'd like to thank the public servants and volunteers that are answering calls for help and working to ensure everyones health and safety! Please check in on your friends, neighbors, and seniors.
Due to intense storm conditions and the current forecast, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is closed until further notice. The park will reopen when the local evacuation warning is lifted. Our neighbors in Guerneville are expected to experience flooding. We look forward to supporting our community in recovery.
The Jenner Visitor Center is likely to flood as well. Formerly the Jenner Boathouse, I wish it could float like a boat! We have seen minimal damage to park infrastructure from the storms, but others have not been so fortunate. Please take care of yourself and others during this trying time.
 Sincerely yours,
Justin Lindenberg
Executive Director
Photo below: State Parks Maintenance Staff Jason and Russ clean up an old oak that fell and "kissed" the Volunteer Center in the back of the grove.
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The Sonoma County Operational Area Emergency Operations Center has issued an evacuation warning for all residents living near the Russian River floodway and its tributaries from Healdsburg to Jenner. The current forecast predicts the river will crest at 38 feet Tuesday night into the early hours on Wednesday, January 11. For your safety, prepare to leave the areas below the 40 foot flood level in the Russian River area. Be sure to take essential items, such as medicines with you. If you live above the 40 foot level, your access may be reduced or eliminated.
For additional information, call 2-1-1 or visit https://socoemergency.org/
California Pineapple Express - Pacific Northwest Weather including days ahead.
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Above: Russian River, Guerneville flooding: Man in boat, 1995 at 48 feet; Rio Theater 1986 in Monte Rio; Downtown Guerneville (date unknown). Below: Cleaning out Safeway in 1986 when the water was over 48.9 feet.
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Campground and Park Closure in Sonoma County
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Closures effective Jan. 6 2023, due to hazardous conditions caused by flooding and high winds. Always be sure to check with your favorite park before heading out. Telephone Reserve California CA Parks: 1-800-444-7275, or for Sonoma County parks call 707-565-2041. Please note that this is a partial list.
- Armstrong Redwoods
- Doran Regional
- Fort Ross State Park
- Gualala Point (Closed due to weather).
- Hood Mountain (Call first, may be closed. since there is a two mile hike to campground).
- Spring Lake
- Stillwater Cove
- Sugarloaf Ridge
- Westside Regional
Closure has started for the following campgrounds. Call before you go:
- MacKerricher
- Russian Gulch
- Manchester
- Salt Point
- Wrights Beach
- Bodega Dunes
Many Sonoma County Regional Parks are also closed. Click here for a list.
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Pond Farm Artist in Residence
accepting applications for 2023
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This lovely historic cottage is waiting for you! The Pond Farm Artist in Residence Program offers artists a unique place to work at stay above Armstrong Redwoods in Guerneville, California. In 2023, we will accept an artist for each month from May through October 2023. Applications are now open and the application window closes on January 31st, 2023. If accepted, there is a fee of $500 for the month-long residency unless accepted for the Julia Terr Fellowship.
The Artist in Residence Program is administered by the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods in partnership with California State Parks. Much effort has gone into preserving Pond Farm and its legacy. We welcome artists of all types, across the disciplinary and interdisciplinary spectrum and people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Unique perspectives and a rustic and rural living environment have always sparked new ideas and enhanced creativity. Our intention is to offer a space for the artist to be creative and productive.
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Kind Tide on Friday, January 21, 2023
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Photo: From December 23, 2022 Kind Tide low tide on the Sonoma Coast, north of Portuguese Beach (Bodega Bay). Photo by Stewards staff lcar.
If you've been wondering what sea levels will look like as the climate changes, head to the Sonoma Coast during a King Tide. Head to the coast on Saturday, January 21, 2023. A super low tide is forecasted from 3PM to 5PM. Grab your coat and camera, and explore the tidepools and creatures that live there. Explore on your own, or join Stewards docents and friends at Shell Beach by clicking here to RSVP! Parking is limited. Please plan accordingly.
Location of shell beach parking lot on the Sonoma Coast. Google Maps.
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Become certified as a California Naturalist
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Registration is open now to become certified as a California Naturalist. Classes start February 16, 2023. Members of Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods save 20% off course fees! Click here to learn more.
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Upcoming Events and Classes
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(POSTPONED) Mushroom Hike in the Redwoods Friday, January 6, 2023
Armstrong Redwoods Professional Development for Classroom Teachers Saturday, January 21, 2023, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Explore and Observe Tidepools After the King Tides 2023 Saturday, January 21, 2023, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Observing the King Tides 2023 Saturday, January 21, 2023, 9:00 am - 9:30 am
(NEW!) Seal Watch Volunteer Training, Saturday February 11, 2023
Tidepool Volunteer Training and Field Visit Saturday, February 18, 2023
Seabird Monitoring Volunteer Training Thursday, March 2, 2023, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Sonoma Coast Volunteer Training Saturday, March 4, 2023, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Armstrong Redwoods Docent Training - March Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Forest Visions: Acrylic Painting Demonstration with Jennifer Laurel Keller Saturday, March 18, 2023, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Stunning Seascapes: Acrylic Painting Demonstration with Jennifer Laurel Keller Saturday, March 25, 2023, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
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Record Your 2022 Volunteer Hours by Jan. 13th
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Thank you to everyone that records your volunteer hours in the Better Impact database. It’s important for Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods relationship with State Parks and helps us secure grant funding.
For those of you that haven’t used Better Impact, or have difficulty, we’ve created a solution for you! Click here for a google form you can use to easily report your hours:
When you send this form in, I will use the data received to enter your hours into Better Impact. I will also send you a username and password, with instructions to enter hours into Better Impact yourself in the future, should you be able to.
To receive credit for your volunteer hours including State Park Passes and our new volunteer swag (shirt/sweatshirt for 75+ hours) all hours must be reported into Better Impact by January 13th. If you choose to use the form to report 2022 hours, submit it no later than January 11th, 2023.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything that I can assist you with.
Stay safe and stay warm! Thank you everyone!
Lindsey Welchel
AmeriCorps Member
Volunteer Coordinator
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods
Lindsey@stewardscr.org.
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