Eco-Wise Workshop Series 2026

The City of Cotati and City of Rohnert Park are proud to present their first-ever Eco-Wise Workshop Series, a collaborative series of workshops designed to inspire sustainability for everyday life. Through interactive activities, local expertise, and community-driven solutions, the Eco-Wise Workshop Series brings residents together to explore simple steps that make a big environmental impact. Whether you’re looking to conserve resources, reduce waste, or support a healthier local ecosystem, these workshops offer accessible tools and shared learning to help our communities thrive.

Monthly workshops will be held from February to October 2026, generally on the first or second Saturday of the month. Each workshop is free and will include complimentary refreshments and sustainable swag! All ages are welcome at the workshops.

Below is additional information on each workshop, including dates, times, workshop presenters, and workshop topics. Note that workshops are subject to change so please check back frequently for updated information. For a brief overview of all workshops, download the workshop series flyer HERE.

February 7, 2026 - Waste Not, Want Not

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Topic: Waste reduction and reuse
Location: Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library, 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park
Presenters: Zero Waste Sonoma, Recology, Zero Waste Action Sonoma County
Description: Explore the 4 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle, and how to work them into your lifestyle. From "what goes where" in your waste bins, to shopping to reduce waste, to how to put on a clothing swap with your friends, these best practices will save you money and keep the good stuff out of the landfill! All workshop attendees will receive a free countertop food scraps bucket and reference materials to practice proper waste disposal at home.

March 28, 2026 - Climate Ready Cotati Fair

Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Topic: Climate Ready Cotati Fair
Location: Cotati SMART Train Depot, 970 E. Cotati Avenue, Cotati
Presenters: Community and environmental organizations
Description: Come and join the City of Cotati for its second annual Climate Ready Cotati Fair! This year's fair will feature an expanded footprint with additional tablers, e-waste recycling, mini workshops, and more! Prizes, food vendors, and other fun aspects of last year's fair make a return with so much to offer for community members. We look forward to seeing you there! More information on this event can be found here: https://www.cotaticity.gov/1602/Climate-Ready-Cotati-Fair-2026

April 11, 2026 - How Does Your Garden Grow?

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Topic: Home food production
Location: Veronda-Falletti Ranch, 175 W. Sierra Avenue, Cotati
Presenters: Sandy Loam, Agri-CULTURE
Description: Join us at historic Veronda-Falletti Ranch to learn the basics of home gardening, meet the farm animals, and get the scoop on backyard chicken-keeping. We'll also talk about the unique role of urban agriculture and the value of farm-based learning for kids. Participants receive free seeds and a chance to win a fruit tree!

May 2, 2026 - Beyond the Lawn

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Topic: Native and low-water landscaping
Location: Sonoma State University, Kenneth Stocking Native Plant Garden, Rohnert Park
Presenters: Sonoma County Master Gardeners, SSU Center for Environmental Inquiry
Description: Don't let dry summers and drought cramp your style! Tour the native plant garden at Sonoma State University and learn tips for native and low-water landscaping at your own home. Participants get to take home a free drought-tolerant plant.

June 6, 2026 - Ecologia y Tu: Sustainability 101

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Topic: Environmental sustainability basics in Spanish and English
Location: Cotati SMART Depot, 970 E. Cotati Avenue, Cotati
Presenters: Soluna Outreach Solutions, City of Rohnert Park Public Works Department
Description: ¿Quieres comprender los conceptos básicos para vivir un estilo de vida ambientalmente sostenible? Do you want to understand the basics of living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle? Learn why, how, and what at this nuts-and-bolts workshop offered in Spanish and English. Participants will also learn how to save money and protect our creeks and rivers by safely changing their own motor oil at home. Receive a free surprise goodie for attending!

July 11, 2026 - Power Play

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Topic: Energy efficiency 
Location: Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library, 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park
Presenters: County of Sonoma Energy and Sustainability Division, BayRen, Sonoma Clean Power
Description: Maximize your home's energy efficiency with new appliances, weatherization, going all-electric, and more! In this workshop you'll learn about your options for energy upgrades, rebates to save you money, water saving tips, and more. Free swag will be given to all participants.

August 1, 2026 - Go Green, Save Green - For Businesses

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Topic: Strategies for greening your business
Location: Cotati SMART Depot, 970 E. Cotati Avenue, Cotati
Presenters: Oliver's Markets, County of Sonoma Energy and Sustainability Division, Rohnert Park and Cotati Chambers of Commerce
Description: Increase both the environmental sustainability and bottom line of your business with tips from the pros! Green business champion, Oliver's Markets, shares their best practices. Find out how you can become a Certified Green Business, and hear about the local business landscape with the Cotati and Rohnert Park Chambers of Commerce. 

September 12, 2026 - Earth, Wind, and Fire, and Water, Too!

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Topic: Stormwater protection and natural disaster preparation
Location: Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library, 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park
Presenters: City of Rohnert Park Public Works, Sonoma Water
Description: Learn how to live in harmony with the natural elements that shape our lives. Where does water go when it leaves our homes, yards, and streets, and why is it important? How can you be better prepared for natural disasters such as storms, wildfires, and earthquakes? Join us and find out!  

October 3, 2026 - Way to Go

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Topic: Transportation that's easy on the planet
Location: Cotati SMART Depot,  970 E. Cotati Avenue, Cotati
Presenters: Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, Redwood Bikeshare, Sonoma County Transit, Golden Gate Transit, SMART
Description: Explore your options for car-free transportation! Learn the basics of bike commuting and how to use our regional bikeshare program. Tour the Cotati SMART train station, take a cruise on an e-bike, and catch a bus. At the conclusion of the workshop we'll have free tickets and a complimentary month-long bikeshare membership for you.