Birds play vital roles in pollinating, controlling pests, fertilizing plants and more. Join us to learn about winter bird diversity at the Osborn Preserve! We will explore a variety of vegetation communities to search for, find and observe birds and evidence of birds. We will also learn about what resident and migratory birds are doing on Sonoma Mountain this winter.

Fire is a source of rejuvenation and renewal, and many plant communities need fire to be sustained. Native Americans used fire in diverse ways to tend the land before the arrival of Europeans, and continue to use fire today amid the challenges of colonization. Decades of fire suppression and increased wildfires in what is now called the United States have resulted in loss of property and life and generated fear around the idea of living with fire. Join us to learn more about the benefits of cultural and prescribed burning and how they can be effective tools in protecting our community from wildfire and providing habitat and healthy ecosystems for plants, animals, and people to enjoy. Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: Benefits of Cultural & Prescribed Burning, February 2, 2022 

Resilient communities use urban forestry to prepare for extreme heat events. Trees and vegetation can reduce heat by shading buildings, pavement, and other surfaces to prevent solar radiation from reaching surfaces that absorb heat, then transmit it to buildings and surrounding air. This is the fourth event in the 2021-22 North Bay Forward "Building Resilience" monthly speaker series, a year-long conversation to increase community collaboration on resilience to climate change. Watch recorded event here: Building Resilience: Greening, Heat & Urban Trees, January 12, 2022

Resilient societies connect people and support their most vulnerable populations with behavioral and health services. At this event, we focus on what programs are currently available and where gaps in support may exist for our most vulnerable populations. This is the third event in the 2021-22 North Bay Forward "Building Resilience" monthly speaker series, a year-long conversation to increase community collaboration on resilience to climate change. Watch recorded event here: Building Resilience: Disaster Support for Vulnerable Populations, December 8, 2021

The role of the fungi kingdom in our world cannot be overstated. Its members decompose, communicate and transfer data, feed us as well as many other earthly creatures, and perform duties perhaps undiscovered. In this hour, Melina will teach us about the key characteristics to look for that distinguish one mushroom species from another. She will show us how to capture those characteristics through photography and upload them to an iNaturalist project where the community will ID them and the project will give scientists an overview of species around you. Everyone is then encouraged to go out into the world, take photos, upload them to iNat and add to the growing worldwide data bank. Watch recorded event here: Local Nature: Mushrooming Basics & Blitz, November 30, 2021

Take advantage of the healing powers of nature while exploring diverse ecosystems on Sonoma Mountain. SSU Naturalists will lead you on a tour of this university education and research site, and give you insights into the ways we can work together to restore regional landscapes. Activities will be subject to change based on the most recent guidance about COVID safety. 

With today’s “new abnormal” of drought, heat domes and an extended fire season, our local wildlife and winged migrants are scrambling to adapt. In this program you’ll learn how to create sanctuary in your neighborhoods for reptiles and amphibians, insect pollinators, bats and birds. Many of these animals have seen their natural ranges, migratory routes, seasonal patterns and ability to reproduce come under serious climate threat. We’ll use current climate-change information to design effective backyard wildlife shelters and finish by doing simple DIY projects together with common household materials, and sharing easy and exciting citizen science projects. Watch recorded event here: Local Nature: Create Climate Sanctuary for Backyard Wildlife, November 16, 2021

Take advantage of the healing powers of nature while exploring diverse ecosystems on Sonoma Mountain. SSU Naturalists will lead you on a tour of this university education and research site, and give you insights into the ways we can work together to restore regional landscapes. Activities will be subject to change based on the most recent guidance about COVID safety.