The Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District is going to tour three farms this season in the Petaluma area. These special on-farm outings feature properties that are working farms and ranches, part of our vibrant agricultural economy. The land has been protected forever through conservation easements held by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District. Descriptions below or go here - register now, space is limited.
May 30 - Pacheco Goat Dairy Ranch Tour & Artisan Cheese Makers
Join us for a tour of the Pacheco Family's goat dairy, and walk up the hill to enjoy the views of the Petaluma environs. Meet the dams (female milking goats) at milking time and learn about the family's multiple generations fo ranching and dairying. A decade ago, the Pacheco's converted the dairy operations from cows to goats, and now feature award-winning, hand crafted artisan cheese by Achadinha Cheese Co. We will meet Jim, the dairyman, and his wife Donna, cheese maker, and learn about the grass fed mixed herd of Nubian, Serbian, and Alpine goats producing high quality milk. SCAPOSD protected this Chileno Valley 230-acre ranch in 2008. 10am - 1pm Easy: to moderate walk. Cheese sampling- mmm...mmm
June 25 - Herding Demo on Sonoma Mountain Ranch
Come join the landowner and his ranch manager, Scott Gerber, aka "the singing cowboy" for a fun time and learn about managed grazing techniques and land stewardship on the Scott Ranch/Stoney Butte Vineyards. Cowboy Scott will round up the cattle with his working border collies. We'll walk the property, enjoy vistas, and "talk story". Lunch in the oak woodland. Protected in 2002 for scenic quality and view shed along Adobe Road, this ranch is part of the greenbelt assemblage. BYO lunch & water. Easy walk. 10am- 2pm
July 14 - Summer Walk in the Vineyards
Join us for a summer stroll in the vineyards, featuring pinot noir, syrah, and chardonnay grapes grown with the distinguished Sonoma Coast appellation. We will learn about sustainable agricultural practices on this working ranch, farmed for grapes and pasture. A cool climate and rich soils (based on years of grazing by dairy cows) help the vineyard produce premium quality wines. You'll meet the landowners and vineyard manager and learn about the family's 90 year commitment to stewardship and sustainable farming. This 153 acre ranch was protected by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District in 2004 for its agricultural heritage and scenic views of the Lakeville area greenbelt. 5:00pm - 7:30pm Easy walk.
Questions? Comments? Contact Michael Bowers at 707.794.1242 x109 or outings@sscrcd.org
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