Naturalist Ed Series: The Amazing Dragonflies of Sonoma County's Hills
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
2:00 pm
– 5:00 pm
Admission Fees: none
(Each participant should register separately)
*THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT*
Dragonflies are predatory insects, both in their aquatic nymphal stage and as adults. Adult dragonflies are extremely agile fliers, they can fly in any direction including sideways and backwards and hover while in pursuit of their prey! Join dragonfly experts Kathy Biggs and Sandra von Arb to learn about local Odonata species as we explore their natural breeding areas as we travel through Osborn Preserve.
Leader
Kathy Biggs has authored more than four dragonfly guides, one dragonfly color-and-learn book and has presented and led dragonfly programs and field trips throughout the west.
Joining Kathy will be field biologist and co-author Sandra von Arb whose love of dragonflies began while working on the endangered Hines Emerald Dragonfly and has recently worked on a project placing blue-tooth devices on this species to track their migration.
Kathy Biggs and Sandra von Arb’s new guide book is called Dragonflies (Anisoptera) of California and it is the first ever to include nymph photos for every genus.
Details
Dragonflies are among the most ancient insects and were some of the first winged insects to evolve, approximately 300 million years ago. After a slide show presentation about the dragonflies of the Sonoma County hills, we will explore an aquatic dragonfly breeding area of the Osborn Preserve to learn to search for the nymphal stages of dragonflies. Along the way, Kathy and Sandra will share about the habitats of dragonflies and we’ll learn about what we can do to support the conservation of these amazing 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 1.5 mile with a 400-foot elevation gain.
Directions are provided in your registration confirmation email. A sink for handwashing, potable water and restrooms are available on site. Please arrive to park in advance of the registered event start time. The preserve gate will be unlocked 20 minutes before the event start time. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon your arrival. We will meet outside of the Learning Center, which is across the footbridge on the east side of the parking lot. Pets and smoking are not 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. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.
What to Bring
Please bring a water bottle and snacks for the trail. We recommend layered clothing to wear indoors and outdoors, covered shoes, a hat, and rain gear. Please bring binoculars (optional). We will be indoors for the slide show presentation and outdoors while we explore the Osborn Preserve.
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.