April 7, 1999

Upper cemetery walks continue

Following last Saturday's initial citizen survey of Sonoma's Upper Mountain
Cemetery property, City Councilmember Ken Brown is inviting the public to sign
up for further excursions through the 60-acre parcel.

"We're going to call it, 'Sonoma Hillside Nature Walks,'" Brown said Tuesday.
"The purpose is to make the local citizens aware of the fabulous resource within
walking distance of the Plaza."

Organized by Brown, and led by Bouverie Preserve docent Irene Ehret, the next
walk is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, with subsequent Saturday hikes as
dictated by public interest. Ehret will point out such local flora as lupines, wild
sweet pea and honeysuckle, and popcorn flowers.

Although the Dallas-based Rosewood Resorts has recently cast an eye toward
developing the city-owned property as an upscale destination hotel, Brown said
that's not the reason for the walk series.

"In order to make an informed decision on any potential development, it's
imperative to become familiar with the land we're all discussing," he said.

To sign up, call the Sonoma Ecology Center at 996-9744.