Save The Dates: Sonoma County Farm Tours May 2 and 3

By HOLLY HANSEN (Open Post)

Experience spring in full bloom with Farm Trails, as farms from Cloverdale to Petaluma and from Sonoma to Bodega Bay open their barnyard doors and gates to offer a behind-the-scenes peek at Sonoma County’s finest food and agriculture. “Blossoms, Bees & Barnyard Babies” is a self-guided, family-friendly tour that allows visitors to map out their own routes, selecting from dozens of farms for a full weekend of agricultural adventure and farm-hopping. The tour and most stops along the trails are free, and carpooling is encouraged.

More than 40 farms, nurseries, dairies, school gardens, and other agriculture-related businesses will be open from 10 am to 4 pm on May 2 and 3, offering unique experiences especially for “Farm Trailers.”

It’s a great chance to meet farmers and producers and learn more about their lives, the origins of local food, and the amazing soils and systems that sustain the community.

There will be ample opportunities for animal cuddling. Sonoma County farms are bursting with babies, including bunnies, lambs, chicks, dairy goats, piglets and even water buffalo calves.

Other activities include beekeeping and wool processing demonstrations, farm tours, tastings (honey, cheese, wine, olive oil, jams, juices, etc.), games and crafts for kids, cooking demos, ,maypole dancing, flower arranging, and more. Many stops will offer snacks, lunches and epic picnic sites. Farm stands will be open for fresh-from-the-source purchases.

Farm Trails was established in 1973 to help ensure the economic viability of Sonoma County agriculture and to instill an appreciation of ag as a vital part of the local community and lifestyle. “Blossoms, Bees, & Barnyard Babies” is one of two annual farm tours offered by Farm Trails. “Weekend Along the Farm Trails” takes place in September and highlights the fall harvest season.

Visit www.farmtrails.org for information on how to sign up for the spring tour.

Registered guests will receive email confirmation that serves as a passport to specials and discounts, a detailed program with schedule of activities and offerings and any related costs, and a link to an interactive map of participating locations. Guests are advised that some stops will only be open for one day, and some tours have associated fees.

Call Farm Trails at 707-837-8896 for more information, or email farmtrails@farmtrails.org.

• Tips for the Trail:
• Map out your route in advance and use a trusted map or GPS.
• Drive slowly on dirt roads.
• Absolutely no pets allowed.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes.
• Keep children with you at all times.
• No smoking at the farms.
• Bring a cooler and basket or bag for purchases.
• Pack a picnic or purchase food along the trail; great food options available.
• Carry out anything you bring with you.
• Bring protection from the sun and layers for cool afternoons.
• Use #BBBB for tour pix.