Osborn SOD Blitz
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
10:30 am
– 1:30 pm
Admission Fees: none
Help control this destructive forest pathogen! Now in its 18th 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.
Leaders
- Kerry Wininger, Sudden Oak Death Outreach Coordinator, UC Cooperative Extension of Sonoma County
This project is part of a statewide survey to help scientists understand the prevalence and spread of this dangerous pathogen. All of the samples brought in will be tested and results collated and entered in a database that will form the basis for further action to be taken throughout the state. Help us save our oak trees. Learn more at www.sodblitz.org. CEI SOD Blitzes are in partnership with the UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County and UC Cooperative Extension, Sonoma County, with funding from the USDA Forest Service.
To register for other Sonoma County SOD Blitz events, or to receive sample packets by mail so you can test trees on your own, visit ucanr.edu/2025sodblitz.
Logistics
No previous experience or knowledge is required. This event is recommended for adults, or ages 10 and up with adult guidance.
You must complete a 20 minute online training before attending this event, which will cover safety, SOD basics, symptoms found on Tanoak and California Bay Laurel leaves, and sampling protocols.
This event will start with short presentations and demos about the pathogen, past blitz findings, and how to collect. We will then open it up for Q&A, where you can get clarification about what you've learned and how to successfully collect leaves on your own and submit them for laboratory testing. Results of the blitz will be posted online early fall at sodblitz.org, and all participants will receive an email about a Results Meeting to be held with Dr. Garbelotto in early fall.
At this blitz, all collecting will be from trees at the preserve during the event. We will be hiking in multiple trail groups for 0.5-2 miles with approximately 50-400 foot elevation gain, adaptable to participants’ abilities.
Fairfield Osborn Preserve is a 15-minute drive from Sonoma State's main campus, on Lichau Road in Penngrove. 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. Driving directions will be provided in your registration confirmation and email.
Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Pets and smoking are not permitted. A restroom and potable water are available on site. This is a light rain or shine event.
If you would like to participate in the blitz without visiting the preserve, you can complete training online, register to receive sample packets by mail, then collect leaves near your home or in public areas. Contact Kerry for details at kwininger@ucanr.edu.
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 sun and insect protection, a water bottle, a snack, long pants, and good shoes to hike in.
How to Sign Up
See registration link below. Each person 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.