California grassland is a unique ecosystem which provides habitat to a highly diverse group of plants and animals. How can we manage our grasslands to maximize native species diversity? We will explore the Osborn Preserve grasslands and learn about management techniques which support native plants as well as native wildlife species including rare amphibians, mammals and reptiles.
Leader
Jeff Wilcox, Managing Ecologist with Sonoma Mountain Ranch Preservation Foundation, has been a field mentor for countless SSU graduate biology students involved in research on Sonoma Mountain. Jeff also leads workshops as an expert on rare wildlife species that rely on grassland habitat and has published countless articles on this topic.
Details
Proper management of grassland habitat on Sonoma Mountain provides a high diversity of native plants and animals. Explore Sonoma Mountain to learn how grassland management techniques, including but not limited to cattle grazing, provide the best possible habitat for rare species including the California Red-legged Frog and other native animals.
This event is part of the Naturalist Ed Series. The event within this Series allows participants the option to become Osborn Naturalists to address nature-deficit disorder. No experience required. Must be age 18 years or older.
Logistics
The events within the Naturalist Ed Series are held outdoors at SSU’s Fairfield Osborn Preserve, a 15-minute drive from SSU’s main campus. All events occur rain or shine.
The maximum hike is 2 miles with a 400-foot elevation gain.
Directions are provided in your registration confirmation email. Porta potties are available on site. Please arrive to park in advance of your registered event start time. The *lower* preserve gate will be unlocked 20 minutes before the start of each event. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon your arrival. No pets or smoking are permitted.
Parking is limited so please consider carpooling, and let us know if you plan to do this so we can open more registration spots accordingly.
COVID-19 Safety
Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19. You are encouraged to wear a mask when indoors (e.g., carpooling to or from the preserve). We will spend all of our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.
What to Bring
Please bring a backpack, water bottle and snacks for the trail. We recommend layered clothing, covered shoes, a hat, rain gear, sun and insect protection and hand sanitizer.
How to Sign Up
See registration link below. Each participant should register separately.
This event is free of charge.
About the Center
Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry empowers university students to work with community members on the environmental challenges of the North Bay. Our mission is to create an engaged and environmentally ready society, one where all people have the skills to find solutions to the challenges facing our earth. SSU Preserves are open to everyone engaged in education or research. Reservations are required.
Osborn Naturalists
We offer a Naturalist Ed Series to become an Osborn Naturalist. Please contact Julie Wittmann for more information about how to become an Osborn Naturalist at julie.wittmann@sonoma.edu. You can also learn more about becoming an Osborn naturalist here.