Most of us have heard about coral bleaching due to climate change. But even if we tackle climate change head-on, it likely won't be in time to save many of ocean's reef systems. What else can we do? Well, at least we can make sure to not do things that exacerbate the situation. Join us to hear about research from Stanford University, "Aiptasia, a model for Cnidarian-algal symbiosis, sheds light on coral bleaching." Studies using the small sea anemone, Aiptasia, as a model organism revealing the role of a glucose transporter in this symbiotic partnership. Examining oxybenzone, a chemical sunscreen, they uncovered a phototoxic mechanism for how sunscreen ingredient injures anemones and corals, exacerbating the harm from our warming oceans.

Presented in collaboration with the SSU Biology Department's Colloquium Series.

Help control this destructive forest pathogen! Now in its 17^th year, this statewide citizen science project is vital to managing Sudden Oak Death. Sonoma County continues to be a hotbed of infection, and Osborn Preserve was the first location it was detected here back in 2001, so maintaining long-term research on site is particularly important. Join us to contribute to science while getting your own bay laurel or tanoak trees tested at no cost. This is a bilingual event (English and Spanish). 

¡Ayúdanos a controlar un patógeno destruyendo el bosque! Ahora en su decimoséptimo año, este proyecto de ciencia comunitaria, estatal, ha sido vital en controlar la Muerte Súbita Del Roble . Desafortunadamente, este patógeno continúa infectando a muchos árboles robles en el condado de Sonoma desde 2001, cuando primero detectaron el patógeno en la área natural protegida conocida como Fairfield Osborn Preserve. Debido a su estatus como epicentro del patógeno es importante continuar recolectando información para la investigación científica con propósito de ayudarnos a entender los efectos del patógeno en la comunidad del bosque a través del largo plazo. Aprenda cómo recolectar sus propias pruebas de los árboles robles, y mandar a que sean analizadas, sin costo alguno. Este es un evento bilingüe (Inglés y Español).

So…you have decided good fire could help you reach your land-management objectives on your property. Now what? You have learned how fire can help and how to prepare your land. What about all of the permits and paperwork required? Where do you start? In this virtual program, Mike Jones, forestry advisor for Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma counties at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, and chair of the Mendocino County Prescribed Burn Association, will be the lead presenter along with other members of the association. There will be much you can learn from these experienced proponents of the use of good fire. Bring your questions and they will provide the answers.

Earth Week is here! Join our Copeland Creek & Garden Restoration team for the second annual Seawolves Dig In, an opportunity to participate in hands-on gardening projects across campus in collaboration with other members of the SSU community. Our team will help by weeding, removing ivy, and rehoming logs from the stream. Come meet other faculty, staff, and students who want to make a difference for our environment -- last year President Lee was on our team! Morning refreshments and post-event pizza will be provided.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) encompasses the on-going accumulation of knowledge acquired by indigenous peoples over hundreds or thousands of years, based on direct contact with the environment. Examples include how living organisms, the land, natural conditions, and time in local areas are interconnected, and how they are incorporated into ways of life. Join students of the SSU Native and Indigenous Student Club on a hike around the scenic landscape of Fairfield Osborn Preserve on Sonoma Mountain, learning about TEK and the history of this land.