How does creativity help us gain geographic literacy? In this 2.5 hour workshop, the staff of Zaum magazine invites you to explore this question. We will begin with a 45-minute lecture by poet, naturalist, and best-selling author of the California Field Atlas, Obi Kaufmann. Following Obi’s lecture, attendees venture out on a nature walk at dusk to gather inspiration before returning to the field station’s classroom to draft a creative record of the Fairfield-Osborn Preserve of their very own!
Leaders
- Obi Kaufmann, best-selling author of the California Field Atlas
- Jen Hyde, English Lecturer, Sonoma State University
- Editorial Staff, Zaum magazine
Obi Kaufmann is the author of the best-selling and award-winning California Field Atlas series. Over the past ten years, Obi has authored six books that each describe an aspect of California’s more-than-human, biodiverse landscape. His unique books are full of beautiful, data-driven art, maps, and wildlife renderings juxtaposed by science-based and keenly insightful prose that presents a dynamically holistic vision of California. For poet, painter, and naturalist Obi Kaufmann, California is a magic network of living systems connecting ecology and beauty in a grand quilt, holding enough science, mythology, and language for a hundred field atlases to come. Obi collaborates monthly with Greg Sarris to produce a podcast called PLACE AND PURPOSE, and he regularly posts his work on Instagram as @coyotethunder. He is published by HEYDAY and represented by WILDBOUNDPR.
Details
We’ll meet at the Education Center for Kaufmann’s lecture on “Representation, Reason and Rewilding.” In his artful yet analytical work, Obi Kaufmann explores the transformation of the resource landscape of California, from its ancient origins through modern challenges to its future possibilities. Heightened with lyrical prose and backed by up-to-the-minute, well-sourced science, Obi demonstrates how we learn from the deep ecological past to uncover truths about the potential future of the California floristic province and the role that people have played and will play in the millennia to come. Obi tells the story of how the road through geographic literacy leads to a new era of democratic sustainability that we can and will usher together.
Following the lecture, a primer containing information about the Fairfield-Osborn preserve will be distributed. Attendees will then head out on a gentle hike to bring the primer in situ, returning after sunset. Afterward, we’ll return to the center to make a creative record of our observation.
Information about how you can continue using your new skills to further develop geographic literacy on your own will be provided before we wrap-up and say goodbye.
Logistics
This event is geared toward adults of all ages and abilities. No previous experience or knowledge is required.
We will be hiking 0.5 mile with approximately 150 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. Pets and smoking are not permitted. A restroom, potable water and microwave are available on site. This is a rain or shine event.
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 headlamp/flashlight, backpack, sun and insect protection, rain gear if needed, a large water bottle, a hearty snack, jacket, and shoes to hike in. Please also bring a notebook or paper with a clipboard, pencil, and watercolor pencils, regular colored pencils, or colorful pens. Layered clothing and long pants are recommended; walking stick optional.
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.