New Trails to Explore at Fitch Mountain Park
The new mountain trails at the 173-acre Fitch Mountain Park and Open Space Preserve are scheduled to be open this spring after the completion of improvements.
Procured in 2014 by the City of Healdsburg and funded by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, Fitch Mountain opened to the public in October 2019. A partnership of local groups stewards the preserve, also used for hiking, biking, running, picnicking, and educational programming. LandPaths manages the natural resources—like reducing invasive plant species, while the Coastal Conservancy developed the management plan—including fire management and erosion reduction. The Coastal Conservancy holds the conservation easement protecting the natural features of the land; the City of Healdsburg is responsible for maintenance; and the Fitch Mountain Fund raises money for the long-term care of the land.
Jaime Licea, Healdsburg Parks & Open Space Superintendent says, “The project is anticipated to be complete this spring, but ongoing wet weather could potentially cause additional setbacks.”
This spring, stop by and take a run, bike ride, or hike on one of the upgraded trails, and later in the year, enjoy the updated dog park. Improvements will include a low-gradient trail for ADA access, improved trail access from the Lower Villa parking lot to the existing fire access road/trail on Fitch Mountain, a new bridge system to cross the seasonal stream, information kiosks, and interpretive signage.
Donate or volunteer at landpaths.org (sign up for a Stewardship Day every fourth Friday on their calendar) and fitchmountainfund.org.