Nature Photography is for everyone! This is an accessible educational outing for people with mobility needs and their caretakers/companions at all photography levels. Learn about the remarkable variety of plants, animals and landscape features at Osborn Preserve in winter, as well as basic-intermediate outdoor photography skills for your smartphone or digital camera. Also experience taking photos of tiny organisms through a microscope. Ages 12 – 100+ welcome.
Leaders
Rick and Jeree Waller, Founders, HeartWork Accessible Nature Photography and Kerry Wininger, Outreach Lead, Center for Environmental Inquiry, Sonoma State University
Rick and Jeree’ Waller have 30 years of professional photography and teaching experience. Jeree’ is also one of the founders of FREED Center for Independent Living, and One Source Empowering Caregivers in Grass Valley, CA. Their background includes working with people of all ages and disabilities who want to get out into nature to enjoy wildlife photography. The Wallers currently travel throughout much of the United States and Canada offering Accessible Photography Outings for Veterans, cancer survivors, the hearing-impaired, small family groups, and others. https://heartworkphotography.org/
Logistics
We will be exploring the wheelchair-accessible meadow and forested areas around the education center, as well as examining natural objects and specimens inside.
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. 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, sink for handwashing and potable water are available on site. This is a rain or shine event.
COVID-19 Safety
At registration, you will be asked if you can provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All staff are vaccinated. Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. You are highly encouraged to properly wear a mask when indoors (e.g., education center at Osborn Preserve, carpooling to or from the preserve), even if you are vaccinated. Bandanas, gaiters or vented masks are not suitable. We will spend all of our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.
What to Bring
Please bring a suitable mask, protection from rain, sun and insects, a water bottle, snack, and close-toed shoes. We recommend layered clothing and binoculars if you have them. Please bring a camera you'd like to use during the event, which may be your cell phone, digital, or film, along with any adaptive technology you use with your camera.
How to Sign Up
See registration link below. Each family should register separately and indicate how many total adults and children will be in attendance. 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.