Petaluma is packed with working farms, many of which you can visit
Petaluma has long been a hub of agriculture, where the fertile ground grows many crops and the wide open pastures offer a place for livestock to graze. To this day, there are more than a dozen working farms and ranches, many of which are members of the Sonoma County Farm Trails. This weekend farms all over the county will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the annual Farm Trails tour. The event is free to attend, but registration is required at farmtrails.org. Once registered, just download the map and take off to see which ever farms fit your fancy. The list below highlights the local Farm Trails members, but note that not all of these operations will be open this weekend. The participating farms are noted in the list. Many of these businesses allow visitors to book a reservation to see these farms for a chance to get up close and personal with the animals and agriculture.
American Made Miniatures
This local ranch is a treat for kids of any age. It is filled with miniature horses and mules, pygmy goats, bunnies, sheep, dwarf hamsters and many other four-legged creatures. Take a tour to feed and learn all about the animals.
More info: AmericanMadeMiniatures.com
Artful Arrangements
This century-old property gives a taste of life on an old-fashioned farm. It's a place to learn about wood-splitting, feed some chickens or take a walk through the Portal of Time.
More info: artfularrangements.org
Bud's Custom Meats
This fourth-generation butcher is all about locally sourced and sustainable meats. It's one of the few places you can find wild game like kangaroo, alligator and pheasant.
More info: budscustommeat.com
Bodega Bay Oyster Company
Learn exactly how oysters are raised, harvested and shucked this weekend at this picturesque Petaluma farm. This weekend, tours will start on the hour, every hour, from noon to 4 p.m.
This business will be on the tour this weekend. Address: 12830 Valley Ford Road, Petaluma.
Cottage Gardens of Petaluma
This uniquely designed business feels more like a walk in a garden than a visit to a nursery. The shop is packed with plants, nearly 80 percent of which are grown on site.
More info: cottagegardensofpet.com
Freestone Ranch
This property will only be open on Sunday this weekend, but will offer a chance to see a working cattle ranch up close and personal. Arrive at 2 p.m. for a tour that includes tips on the best way to prepare beef. Pasture-raised beef will also be available for purchase.
This business will be on the tour this weekend. Address: 750 Freestone Ranch Road, Petaluma.
Garden Valley Ranch
This venues is popular with wedding planners all over Northern California. The expansive property includes 5-acres with more than 8,000 rosebushes. Make sure to stop by the koi pond.
This business will be on the tour this weekend. Address: 498 Pepper Road, Petaluma
Green Goose Farm
This Two Rock property is home to a host of humanely raised animals. You can find heritage breeds of pork, lamb, chicken, goose, duck and turkey.
More info: farmtrails.org/farm/green-goose-farm
Green String Farm
This is probably the best known farm on the trail, thanks to its central location. Bob Cannard has 30 years of sustainable farming experience, and partner Fred Cline is no stranger to soil as the mastermind behind Cline Cellars.
More info: greenstringfarm.com
Lala's Jam Bar and Urban Farmstand
Located right in the middle of town, this little gem is packed full of unique jams and preserves that are made largely from fruits grown in backyards all over the county. You'll find rare flavors like blueberry balsamic, mango lime and strawberry rosemary.
This business will be on the tour this weekend. Address: 215 Prospect St., Petaluma
Lavender Bee Farm
A walk in the rows of fragrant lavender are worth the visit alone. But the honey, sourced from local bees on the property, also offers sweet floral notes.
More info: lavenderbeefarm.com
Live Oak Farm
Whatever is in season and fresh at this moment can be found at this picturesque farm. Things are produced in small batches and sold fresh from the soil.
More info: facebook.com/liveoakfarmpetaluma
McClelland's Dairy
Learn how to milk a cow or pick out your Halloween pumpkin at this longtime dairy farm. There's also hayrides and a kid's zone for an added cost. Check out the farm shop for their European-style butter that is much richer than its American cousin.
This business will be on the tour this weekend. Address: 6475 Bodega Ave., Petaluma
McEvoy Ranch
This scenic property on the edge of town offers sweeping views of the hillsides. It's also a place to grab estate-produced olive oil and expansive selection of wines.
More info: mcevoyranch.com
Petaluma KOA Campground
While not a traditional farm, this campsite does offer pretty picnic tables where you can sit and sample your farm-fresh finds. It's a perfect spot for kids with a rock wall, jumping pillow or farm-themed playground. Plus there's kayaking, hiking and more outdoor recreation.
More info: koa.com
Petaluma Seed Bank
Located in the heart of downtown, this business is keeping agriculture of the 19th century alive in today's world. The seeds of many varieties of fruits and vegetables that can no longer be found commercially can be found in this historic site. Be sure to pick up a copy of the catalogue to peruse pictures of produce from the past.
More info: rareseeds.com
Reis River Ranch Vineyards
The 630-acre working cattle and horse ranch gives a taste of the Western life. The property offers catch-and-release fishing, bird watching and hiking galore, plus a chance to picnic under 100-year oak trees.
More info: reisranch.com
Sonoma County Poultry
Founded by fourth-generation duck farmer Jim Reichardt, this Petaluma property has been supplying Liberty Ducks to restaurants all over the country since 1992.
More info: libertyducks.com
Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue
This area nonprofit is the saving grace for sick and injured wildlife. While many of the critters brought to the facility are released back into the wild, those that would not survive are invited to live on the property. Take a tour to see raccoons, foxes and birds a plenty.
More info: scwildliferescue.com
Tara Firma Farms
This Petaluma farm is a popular Community Supported Agriculture venture, in which members pay for regular boxes of fresh produce and help offset farm costs. In addition to produce, you can find grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, lamb, turkey and cheeses available for purchase.
This farm will be open this weekend. Address: 3796 I St., Petaluma
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