Thank you to everyone who joined us at Our True Nature this weekend! If you didn’t make it, but would still like to donate to support LandPaths’ mission to foster a love of the land in Sonoma County, click the button below!
Our True Nature is a full day festival featuring live music, hikes, art, cold drinks, dinner for purchase from Rancho Medrano, and everything that makes it feel like summertime.
Join us on Saturday, August 15 for an unforgettable day at Bohemia Ecological Preserve, tucked into the hills of West County on Bohemian Highway between Monte Rio and Occidental!
This year’s festival celebrates LandPaths’ 30th anniversary. 30 years of acting with courage while protecting open spaces, connecting people to the outdoors, and making sure these landscapes are not just preserved, but experienced. All proceeds benefit LandPaths.
Our True Nature Music Meadow Line-Up
Solorio
6:15pm in the Music Meadow –About Solorio
Jerry Hannan & Sven
5:15pm in the Music Meadow – About Jerry Hannan
Kady Fox
4pm in the Music Meadow – About Kady Fox
Greg Johnson Jazz Ensemble
2:15pm in the Music Meadow – About Greg Johnson
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Swanhuyser Family Trust & Dee Swanhuyser: LandPaths’ Co-Founder
Bart Westcott
Family Friendly Waterfall Hike & Picnic – 11:30am to 1pm
Follow the trail to one of Bohemia Preserve’s most beloved destinations on this family-friendly hike with LandPaths docent Lindsey Dyer and her children, Sienna and Sage. The route winds through a beautiful stretch of the preserve before arriving at the waterfall, which is typically dry this time of year, where we’ll pause for a picnic, explore the area, and enjoy time together in nature before making our way back to the meadow. Along the way, Lindsey will share stories about the preserve’s ecology, history, and wildlife, offering a chance to experience this remarkable landscape through fresh eyes. Pre-order a sack lunch from the Camp Kitchen or bring your own. The hike departs from the Music Meadow at 11:30am and returns by 1pm. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, and a sack lunch.
Guided Mindful Hike – 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Slow your pace and experience Bohemia Ecological Preserve through a different lens on this guided mindful hike with LandPaths’ docent Alok Rockwater. As you follow the creek on a forest path, Alok will share stories of the land’s natural history while inviting you to tune in and deepen your awareness of the landscape around you. Combining gentle movement, reflection, and teachable moments, this experience offers a different way to explore Bohemia. The hike departs from the meadow at 1:30pm and returns by 3:30pm. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
Fun for All – Nature Scavenger Hunt – 3pm to 4pm
Discover the hidden wonders of Bohemia Preserve with this family-friendly nature scavenger hunt. Pick up a scavenger hunt card at the Kid Zone and set out to find, observe, or photograph a variety of natural treasures hidden throughout the landscape. From interesting rocks and native plants to birds, wildlife, and other signs of life, the hunt encourages curiosity, observation, and a closer connection to the land. Complete the hunt on your own anytime before 4pm, or join the Kid Zone team for a guided scavenger hunt from 3 to 4pm. Return your completed card to the Kid Zone by 4:15pm to be entered into a drawing for fun prizes. Winners will be drawn at the Kid Zone at 4:30pm.
Golden Hour: A Photography Hike at Bohemia – 4:45pm to 6:30pm
ADVANCE SIGN-UPS ARE FULL. Registration for this hike has reached capacity. A limited number of spaces may be available on event day.
Join volunteer docent Carl Nicolari for a photo exploration of Bohemia Ecological Preserve. Timed to coincide with the golden hour, when the late afternoon light softens and the landscape takes on a warm glow, we’ll set out through native coastal prairies and mixed conifer forests with plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of the preserve using your phone, pocket camera, or DSLR. Along the way, we’ll engage all five senses to discover wildflowers, the creek, birds, wildlife, and the landscapes that define this remarkable stretch of protected land.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect shot or simply an excuse to spend golden hour on the preserve, this hike offers a memorable way to experience Bohemia’s wild beauty. Family-friendly. Approximately 2.5 miles with some steep uphill and downhill sections and about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Limited to 10 participants. Meet at the Meadow shuttle stop at 4:45pm for a ride to Hut Hill. Return to the Meadow by 6:30pm. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
Attractions
Kid’s Zone: 1pm to 7pm
The Kid Zone is a welcoming space in the Music Meadow where younger guests can enjoy nature-inspired activities throughout the afternoon and evening. Stop by for face painting, hands-on activities, games, and the Nature Scavenger Hunt, or simply spend some time exploring and connecting with the natural world. Parents and caretakers must remain in the Music Meadow while children participate.
Food & Drink
Camp Kitchen: 11:30am to 9pm
Nestled in the Music Meadow, the Camp Kitchen is a welcoming place to find snacks, a delicious assortment of non-alcoholic beverages, fresh juices, coffee, tea, and baked goods on sale throughout the day. Cash and card will be accepted.
Chef’s Kitchen: Rancho Medrano: 5pm – 8:30pm
Rancho Medrano will be onsite in the Music Meadow serving a taco and quesadilla bar featuring grilled meats and vegetables, fresh toppings, guacamole, rice, beans, chips, salsas, and a variety of accompaniments. Vegan and gluten free options available. Dinner is included with the Meadow Pass or may be purchased at the event for $25, while supplies last. A portion of every dinner purchase supports LandPaths.
Redwood Bar: 3pm to 9pm
Visit the Redwood Bar in the Music Meadow for a selection of local wines, craft beers, and ciders available for purchase. Raise a glass to LandPaths’ 30th anniversary while enjoying offerings from Old World Winery, Preston Wines, Jackson Family Wines, Limerick Lane, HenHouse Brewing Company, and more. The Redwood Bar is for guests 21 and older with valid ID. All proceeds benefit LandPaths.
(Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the Camp Kitchen)
Water Stations
Stay hydrated throughout the day with complimentary drinking water available at refill stations located around the Meadow. Guests are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, though cups will also be available at each station.
Ticket Options
Meadow Pass – An all-access ticket that includes docent-led hikes around the preserve, 30th anniversary exhibits, dinner from Rancho Medrano, two drink tickets for wine, beer, or nonalcoholic beverages, and live music from afternoon into the night at Music Meadow.
General Admission – All-access ticket includes everything above excluding dinner and drink tickets. (Those can be purchased separately at the event). You can also bring your own picnic.
Discounts for current students are available for both ticket options.
You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy but please do not bring in outside alcoholic beverages! And there will be a kid’s zone with face-painting and special activities just for the kiddos. Children under 11 are free!