Celebrate Fall with a Weekend Along the Farm Trails.
Cover Photo: Lisa Rose/The Farmers Photographer
This fall, Sonoma County offers one of its most beloved local traditions: the Weekend Along the Farm Trails Fall Tour, returning September 27 and 28. Organized by Sonoma County Farm Trails, this free, self-guided event invites locals and visitors to slow down, reconnect with the land, and experience the richness of our agricultural region.
For two days, participating farms and producers open their gates to the public, offering an intimate glimpse into life on the farm. Attendees can tour working ranches, taste fresh-made products, learn about pollinator gardens, and even pick their own pumpkins, vegetables, or flowers. The event is family friendly, with most stops welcoming kids (check the tour listings) and many offering hands-on learning.
There’s something for everyone on the trail. Besides workshops and tours, attend a demo about beekeeping or pollinator gardening, meet the animals, or simply wander the orchard at golden hour. With dozens of stops scattered throughout the county, it’s also a way to explore the lesser-known corners of Sonoma—many just a short drive apart.
Because each farm has its own schedule and offerings, advance registration is required. Once signed up, guests will receive access to an interactive tour directory and map with details on which farms are open on which days, which ones require RSVPs or fees, and which ones are hosting special workshops or demonstrations.
A few tips before you hit the road: Cell service can be spotty in rural areas, so download or print your map and directions. Pack a water bottle, sun protection, a cooler for your purchases, and maybe a picnic blanket just in case. And leave your pets at home—except for bonafide service animals.
For 52 years, Sonoma County Farm Trails has made connections between local farmers and the community. Events like this share how behind every local jar of honey or head of lettuce is a family, a farm, and a story.
Santa Rosa’s New Central Park
Southeast Greenway Moves Forward as Santa Rosa’s Newest Public Park
The Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway is finally moving from concept to reality. After more than 15 years of advocacy and planning, the City completed its purchase of the property for the Greenway in late 2024, setting the stage for development of a major new 49-acre public park and trail system in the heart of the city, making it the fourth largest park in Santa Rosa.
The site—a two-mile stretch of land between Farmers Lane and Spring Lake Park—is the former Highway 12 right-of-way. Left vacant for decades, it will now become an urban greenway that will include walking and biking paths and the potential for restored habitat, community gardens, open space, and more. The land is now publicly owned and managed by Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks.
The Southeast Greenway connects several neighborhoods and serves as a prospective link between the city’s east and west sides. It also provides a walking and bike route that will connect with regional trails, including those leading to the SMART train, downtown, Sonoma Valley and West County.
The process to create the park will include community input to determine how the space will be used. Possible ideas include pocket parks, public art, educational programming, and space for play and gathering. Native habitat restoration is also a hoped-for part of the plan, which could facilitate the site being a wildlife corridor.
The project has been led by the Southeast Greenway Campaign, a volunteer-run coalition that began organizing in 2009. Funding for the land purchase came from a mix of public and private sources, including a $1 million grant from the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District. Over the years, multiple agencies interested in supporting the property becoming a park have collaborated, including the Sonoma County Water Agency, Sonoma County Regional Parks, The City of Santa Rosa, and Landpaths, under the professional guidance of Sonoma Land Trust.
As the city moves toward the next phase of planning and development, residents are encouraged to stay involved in the park creation process.
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The Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway
To learn more about the project or volunteer: southeastgreenway.org
Glossary:
Greenway
The Greenway movement seeks to transform underused land into parks and trails that support recreation, protect the environment, and offer safe, car-free travel routes.