“The land is the real teacher. All we need as students is mindfulness.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants.

Nature has a lot to say if only we will listen. Join SSU students, faculty and members of the public for nature journaling and dialogue at the SSU Butterfly Garden, grounded in a short passage from Braiding Sweetgrass. Light refreshments will be provided. Diversity of age, culture, background, identity and more will be celebrated at this event, and all are welcome. This event is being held in partnership with Hutchins Connect, the community outreach arm of Hutchins School of Liberal Studies, and lower division classes LIBS 101 and LIBS 201.

Este es un evento bilingüe (Inglés y Español):

Stories from 2017 Tubbs fire survivors situate a global climate crisis in Sonoma County and question how we can recover from trauma while providing insights to prevent the further demise of our communities and planet. Narrated by Peter Coyote, interviews are featured of scientists such as CEI Director Claudia Luke, politicians, theologians, psychologists, physicians, business people, climate activists, firefighters, people who lost their homes, and others. Visual footage helps explain the story: the effects of a firestorm, rebuilding, solar panels, electrification options, geysers generating electric power, controlled burns, as well as community members and organizations partnering to resolve issues. After the film, stay for the discussion and a panel of filmmakers and climate activists. The Sunday screening at 5pm will be in Spanish with Spanish speakers leading the discussion.

Wild mushrooms are indicators of soil and air quality, and support plant growth and communication. For the seventh consecutive year, students and the community will comb the hills of the Galbreath Preserve to collect as many fungal species as possible. Join us and build identification and sustainable harvesting skills while adding to our research database. A sister event is taking place at Osborn Preserve on December 9th.

Wild fungi give us a window into the health of our ecosystems, play a vital role in plant growth and communication, and can remove heavy metals from soil and water. For the seventh consecutive year, students and the community will traverse the forests and fields of Osborn Preserve to collect and record as many fungal species as possible. Join us and build identification and sustainable harvesting skills while adding to our research database. A sister event is taking place at Galbreath Preserve on December 3rd.

Learn how to share nature’s secrets with others while exploring the stunning ecosystems of Sonoma Mountain with university faculty and other experts. This Naturalist Educator Series will give you new insights into the natural history of local species and new ideas for sharing your knowledge with children. Join a community working to eradicate Nature Deficit Disorder in the North Bay! Become an Osborn Naturalist and acquire the skills to get “Environmentally Ready.”