Sonoma Overlook Trail is getting a make-over.
An extensive 14-week rehabilitation project will begin June 17, closing the popular trail to the public until mid-September.
“The trail had less than 5,000 visits per year when it was first put in,” said Joanna Kemper, co-chair of the all-volunteer SOT Stewards. “That has mushroomed to about 55,000 per year today and for many people, hiking Overlook and enjoying the natural surroundings and beautiful views is part of their regular routine. We are glad it is so popular but there are a number of major repairs and improvements needed to make the trail safer, more sustainable and maintainable.”
High usage has contributed to soil erosion and exposure of bedrock, creating unsure footing. Sonoma Overlook Trail (SOT) Stewards worked with noted trail designer Don Beers to identify issues and develop solutions. Beers, who has worked on Montini Preserve and other trails in this region, based his recommendations on trail sustainability principles which include following land contours wherever possible, avoiding harm to natural and cultural resources and disruption of natural hydraulic flow patterns, and constructing trails to withstand the impacts of users and major storm events.
The work will be undertaken by a crew of 12 young adults and two experienced trail-building supervisors with American Conservation Experience (USAconservation.org). Examples of the improvements include; stone steps at the badly eroded main trailhead, a 795-foot reroute to avoid a severely degraded segment on the Lower Trail, rebuilding of climbing turns and junctions, and short runs of steps at key locations to alleviate gradient and erosion issues.
“The trail had less than 5,000 visits per year when it was first put in,” said Joanna Kemper, co-chair of the all-volunteer SOT Stewards. “That has mushroomed to about 55,000 per year today and for many people, hiking Overlook and enjoying the natural surroundings and beautiful views is part of their regular routine. We are glad it is so popular but there are a number of major repairs and improvements needed to make the trail safer, more sustainable and maintainable.”
The Overlook Trail is on property owned by the City of Sonoma. The City has had a long-time partnership with the SOT Stewards, a committed group of volunteers that maintain and support enhancements to the Overlook Trail.
In 2016, the Stewards identified a grant opportunity from the Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) that would help fund a significant portion of the rehabilitation program. With considerable support from the Stewards, the City of Sonoma applied for a grant in the amount of $55,113. In December 2017, the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution accepting the HCF Grant that, in part, allows for the upcoming construction of the Sonoma Overlook Trail Reroute and Rehabilitation Project.
In total, the SOT Stewards have raised $204,000 on behalf of the City of Sonoma to rehabilitate the Sonoma Overlook Trail, in the form of state and local competitive grants, SOT Stewards’ fund raising events, in-kind donations, and generous donations by members of the community, local businesses and community services organizations including contributions from: The Kiwanis of Sonoma Plaza, the State Parks’ Habitat Conservation Fund, Impact100, Wine County Weekend, Scott Evans Foundation, The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, and in-kind contributions from businesses including The Lodge at Sonoma.
Kemper noted that a citizen movement in the late 1990s protected the city-owned hillside located on the upper Mountain Cemetery property from development. Simultaneously, volunteers with Overlook Trail Task Force co-leaders, Maggie Haywood and Karen Collins,brought the idea of a public trail on the hillside from inception to reality, providing residents with an opportunity to enjoy nature while getting healthy exercise. “The trail was funded by donations from individuals, local businesses and service clubs. Volunteers helped build it. Some years later, the community again pitched in to help erect the information kiosk at the main trailhead. The tradition continues today and we hope well into the future. Overlook is a special place.”
“The Sonoma Overlook Trail is such a unique and valued recreational resource for Sonoma,” says Sonoma Mayor Madolyn Agrimonti. “The City is fortunate to have wonderful partnerships with the Stewards and the Sonoma Ecology Center to help improve and maintain the trail for the public to enjoy for years to come.”
For more information about the rehabilitation project and updates on progress, please visit www.sonomacity.org/sonoma-overlook-trail-improvement-project/ or overlookmontini.org.
During closure, SOT Stewards suggest these nearby alternatives:
- Mountain Cemetery, see map at the Overlook trailhead kiosk or download at www.sonomacity.org/mountain-cemetery/
- Montini Open Space Preserve, Trailhead at Fourth Street West near Haraszthy; and behind the Field of Dreams (adjacent to the police station parking lot). Free Community Hike led by Jeni Nichols everyWednesday 8:30-9:30 during the Overlook Trail closure, meet in the police station parking lot. overlookmontini.org
- The Sonoma Bike Path, Nathanson Creek Parkway, Fryer Creek Trail, download the Sonoma Bicycle Map to see trails and connecting streets www.sonomacity.org/bicycling/
- Maxwell Farms Regional Park, 100 Verano Ave, Sonoma, CA 95476, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Maxwell-Farms-Regional-Park
- Sonoma Valley Regional Park, 13630 Sonoma Hwy, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Sonoma-Valley-Regional-Park/
- Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442 www.jacklondonpark.com
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452, www.sugarloafpark.org
- Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, 1450 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Hood-Mountain-Regional-Park-and-Preserve/
- Trione-Annadel State Park, south of Highway 12 on Channel Drive via Montgomery Drive (Lawndale entrance and eastern area of park closed), Santa Rosa, CA www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=480
- Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa, CA, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Spring-Lake-Regional-Park/
Heck, while they’re at it why not add a few poop-bag stations for the dogs who shouldn’t have to go off-trail to do their business and pick up burrs and tics.