Spring is in Full Swing at Jenner Headlands Preserve

Spring is a special time of year on the Sonoma Coast, teeming with life and inviting exploration.

At The Wildlands Conservancy’s Jenner Headlands Preserve, osprey have returned, soaring over the coastal prairie as they fish the Russian River. Breeding songbirds, too, are returning to the landscape: swallows, red-winged blackbirds, and lazuli buntings have all been spotted. Not to be left out of the spring soiree, lizards and other reptiles are more active as the weather warms; be sure to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes on your way up to Pole Mountain. Behren’s Silverspot Butterfly are enjoying the western dog violets along the lower Raptor Ridge Trail, the California native is a critical food source for the endangered insect.

The renewal that spring brings isn’t enjoyed by plants and animals alone. Wildlands rangers and trail stewards are excited to lead free interpretive hikes once again. From the smallest wildflower to the tallest tree, visitors can explore the Beauty of the preserve through the eyes of its resident experts. (Scroll down the dates and registration links for upcoming activities.)

You can learn more about what’s happening at The Wildlands Conservancy’s Sonoma Coast Preserves by following us on Facebook and Instagram. And we invite you to come explore the Sonoma Coast and the Jenner Headlands on your own and be inspired by the Beauty of this special landscape.

Happy Trails!

- The Wildlands Conservancy’s Sonoma Coast Team

PS: The Wildflower Loop is open! Check out Ranger Jill’s Wildflowers on the Sonoma Coast article to find out what’s blooming along the trail.