Help control this destructive forest pathogen, and get free pizza! Now in its 17th year, this statewide community science project is vital to managing Sudden Oak Death, which is widespread in Sonoma county. Join SSU students and staff in contributing to science while getting your own bay laurel and tanoak trees tested at no cost.
Leader
Alex Martin, Graduate Student, SSU Biology Department with Professor Nathan Rank. Alex is a certified arborist, and has worked in habitat restoration for over a decade. They are currently working towards their M.S. degree in Biology, studying the effects of fire and disease on oak forests.
Details
We'll meet in Darwin Hall room 101 to engage in about 30 minutes of training over pizza and drinks! From there, we will walk to different spots for a one-mile walk to collect leaves and record basic data in teams of two or three people. All equipment will be provided.
If you’d like to get your own California Bay Laurel or Tanoak trees tested (free of charge), collect leaves and the corresponding data no more than three days prior to the SOD blitz and bring them with you to the event. Contact kwininger@ucanr.edu for detailed instructions.
Collected samples will be sent to the UC Berkeley Forest Pathology Lab for analysis, and participants can see results online in fall at sodblitz.org. Participants are invited to a meeting in Santa Rosa (Zoom option available) in fall held by UC Berkeley experts to discuss results and learn about management options for Sudden Oak Death.
This event is free of charge, family-friendly, and no previous experience or knowledge about Sudden Oak Death is required. 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.
Also, if you want to test trees FOR FREE on your own property, public parks, or along roadsides, register for the county-wide blitz: http://cesonoma.ucanr.edu/SuddenOakDeath
Logistics
Pets and smoking are not permitted. This is a rain or shine event. No previous experience or knowledge is required to participate.
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
Before leaving home, please download the SODMAP Mobile app if you have an iPhone (Android uses, we'll pair you with someone who has the app).
Please wear sturdy, closed toe shoes, as we'll be walking between trees off trails and paths as well as by Copeland Creek. Water bottle recommended.
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.