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Map of Copeland Creek showing restoration areas

Copeland Creek Riparian Restoration

2013 to present
Faculty: Wendy St. John, Caroline Christian, Heidi Herrmann, Michelle Goman, Nathan Rank
Partners: Sonoma Water, Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, Sonoma County Water Agency, CSU Campus as a Living Lab, Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps, California Conservation Corps

This multi-year project engages students in all phases of restoring riparian habitat along the stretch of Copeland Creek that bisects the Sonoma State University campus. 

newt on student's hand

Habitat comparisons of herptofauna diversity

2019
Faculty: Wendy St. John
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry

A comparison of reptile and amphibians diversity and abundance in marsh, woodland and grassland. 

graph with changes in amphibian and reptiles with temperature

Effects of climate on amphibians and reptiles

2019
Faculty: Wendy St. John
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry

Amphibians and reptile responses to changing weather conditions provides insights into how climate change will affect these species.

bay leaves with brown tips

Factors affecting Sudden Oak Death

2019
Faculty: Robin Glas, Wendy St. John, Melina Kozanitas, Nathan Rank, Martha Shott
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry

Multiple studies of the factors affecting the spread and severity of Sudden Oak Death at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve.

young douglas fir under oak tree

Douglas fir encroachment

2019
Faculty: Robin Glas, Wendy St. John, Melina Kozanitas, Nathan Rank, Martha Shott
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry

Douglas fir encroachment into oak woodlands is occurring across the Pacific West and is thought to be caused by a historic reduction in fire frequency. The loss of oak woodlands due to this process is causing declines in biodiversity and abundance of native species. Multiple studies assess rates of conversion at the SSU Preserves.

old barn

Osborn Campground design project

2013 to present
Faculty:
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry

We are exploring opportunities for small overnight camping facilities at the Osborn Preserve.

two students survey channel with transit and pole

Modifying stream channels to control invasive species

2018 to present
Faculty: Jackie Guilford
Partners: Sonoma Water

Parts of the Laguna de Santa Rosa have been invaded by non-native Ludwigia. Sonoma Water is removing sediment from the Laguna near Stony Point Road in Rohnert Park to create a narrower, deeper, more shaded channel that could reduce habitat for this species. We are monitoring changes in channel shape and species distribution to determine the efficacy of this approach.

Two students assess blackberry along a transect line

Impacts and control of Himalayan blackberry

2017 to 2019
Faculty: Robin Glas, Wendy St. John, Melina Kozanitas, Nathan Rank, Martha Shott
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry

Multiple studies investigate impacts and control strategies for non-native Himalayan blackberry, Rubus armeniacus, at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve. 

Student taking measurements in a dry creek bed

Erosion monitoring in the Copeland Creek watershed

2013 to present
Faculty: Michelle Goman, Robin Glas, Wendy St. John, Jeff Baldwin, Owen Anfinson, Jackie Guildford
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry

Students have established long-term monitoring transects in the upper watershed at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve, the alluvial fan east of campus, and on the SSU campus.
 

Students posing with their solar powered boat

Designing a solar powered boat

2016 to present
Faculty: Sara Kassis
Partners: Sacramento Municipal Utility District

We designed and built a solar-powered canoe to race in the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) annual Solar Regatta Competition at Rancho Seco Recreational Area on May 4, 2019. This was the third year SSU competed in this race.

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