Sugarloaf nature photography for iNaturalist

Photo event at state park to provide data for citizen scientists.|

Get your smart phones ready, Sonoma shutterbugs, there’s a snap-worthy event taking place this month at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

Winter in Sugarloaf offers many different colors, shapes, textures and lighting: great for practicing nature photography.

On Dec. 18, naturalist John Lynch will lead a 3.5 mile, three-hour hike from the Creekside Nature Trail to Hillside Trail and back through the meadow. Participants will use their cameras “as tools to engage in the aesthetic appreciation of nature while also documenting flora and fauna through iNaturalist,” according to an announcement of the event. iNaturalist is a social network of naturalists and citizen scientists where participants can map and share observations of biodiversity. It’s considered a valuable data resource for research projects, nonprofit organizations and the general public.

“If you haven’t used iNaturalist, or haven’t made an observation for a while, this is your chance – just make sure to load the iNaturalist app on your phone before you arrive and have your battery fully charged,” said event officials in the announcement. The hike is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sugarloaf entrance is at 2605 Adobe Canyon Road in Kenwood. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Heavy rain cancels, parking fees apply.

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