Head outdoors for summer fun this week with these events

BEACH RUN, AUG. 5

Bodega Bay: The Empire Runners Club's annual 2- and 5-mile run in the sand at Salmon Creek State Beach 10 a.m. followed by an optional cold-dish, beach blanket potluck picnic. Bring utensils and plates. Online registration is free to club members, $10 for non-members, race day entry fee is $20. Dogs, barbecues and fires are not allowed on the beach. empirerunners.org for information.

BIRDING BASICS, AUG. 5

Santa Rosa: Learn the basics of birding during a stroll 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Road. Bring binoculars or borrow some at the park, all levels of experience welcome. Parking $7.

SonomaCountyParks.org.

STORIES IN THE GARDEN, AUG. 7

Santa Rosa: Children up to six years old and their families play nature games, make crafts and read nature books out loud in the garden at Bayer Farm, 1550 West Ave. 12-2:30 p.m. Meal provided, but bring a dish to share if you like. Free, registration required. Visit LandPaths.org for details.

SHELL BEACH HIKE, AUG. 11

Jenner: Join Dave Chalk and Bill Myers on a 7.5-mile, 4-hour, moderate hike at Shell Beach on the Sonoma Coast. Meet 9:45 a.m. at the Shell beach parking lot three miles south of Highway 116. Hike to the top of Red Hill and have lunch at the Pomo Campground. Bring water and a lunch. Reservation not required.

Visit www.billanddavehikes.com for details

REDWOOD HIKE, AUG. 11

Glen Ellen: Admission to Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, and other Redwood State Parks is free today. Take a moderate 5-mile hike 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Jack London State Park. Meet in the ranch parking lot. Visit savetheredwoods.org for free passes to other state Redwoods Parks in Sonoma County today.

5K WALKS. AUG. 11

Santa Rosa: The Sonoma County Stompers Club invites you to a non-competitive, 5K walk beginning and ending outside the California Welcome Center in Railroad Square, 9 Fourth St. Start anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and finish by 4 p.m. A map with typed directions is provided. 707-486-8528 for details.

APPLE FAIR, AUG. 12

Sebastopol: Old-fashioned fun at the Gravenstein Apple Fair at Ragle Ranch Regional Park, 500 Ragle Road, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Live music, arts and crafts, vendors, local food and brews, wine, contests, children's corner, Do It Yourself Arena and more.Visit SonomaCountyParks.org.

TALLEST TREES, AUG. 12

Healdsburg: Learn what makes the coast redwood a state and regional treasure and celebrate the Centennial of the Save the Redwoods League during a 2-3-mile hike, 10-11:30 a.m. at Riverfront Regional Park 7821 Eastside Road. Free, bilingual program. Parking $7.

VAMOS AFUERA. AUG. 12

Santa Rosa: Spanish language event exploring the Laguna de Santa Rosa property at 900 Sanford Road during a 2-mile roundtrip walk 5:30-8:30 p.m. Bring a picnic meal. Free family event, all ages welcome. Registration through Land Paths is required at lagunafoundation.org where details of this event also are available in Spanish.