Take advantage of the healing powers of nature while exploring diverse ecosystems on Sonoma Mountain. SSU Naturalists will lead you on a tour of this university education and research site, and give you insights into the ways we can work together to restore regional landscapes. Activities will be subject to change based on the most recent guidance about COVID safety. 

Human beings have evolved into creatures with a markedly visual perspective of the world: seeing is believing. We are often aware of changes in our environment by seeing them. Soundscape ecologists, however, have been observing these changes by listening, and are alarmed at what they are learning. There is a cacophony of man-made noises bombarding all living organisms, including humans. In this hour, come learn the latest research and current thinking about our sonic world, and how you can become an active participant in seeking positive approaches to encouraging tranquility and mitigating noise pollution. This event will not be recorded so sign up now for the live presentation.

Watersheds are resilient when both humans and native species have reliable access to water during drought and when they recover quickly from flooding. At this event, we'll hear about the Copeland Creek Riparian Enhancement Project and its impact on groundwater recharge and flooding in the Santa Rosa Watershed, and Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) and its effect on managing water supplies for drought and flood. This is the first event in the 2021-22 North Bay Forward "Building Resilience" monthly speaker series, a year-long conversation to increase community collaboration on resilience to climate change. Watch recorded event here: Building Resilience: Drought & Flood in the Russian River Watershed, October 13, 2021

We all want to take action to protect our homes from wildfire, but is landscaping with “fire-safe” plants the way to go? In this talk, we’ll explore the origin of fire-safe plant lists, the issues with the claims they make including research on the topic and lack thereof, and the practical problems the plant lists represent. We will then discuss ways to work around those problems, from both an individual homeowner’s perspective, and from a neighborhood perspective. Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: What's Wrong with Fire-Safe Plant Lists, October 6, 2021

After two consecutive dry years, the Russian River Watershed is experiencing a historic drought. As a result, the water supply for a population of over 700,000 people along with farms and businesses is at historically low levels. As with other natural phenomena that directly impacts human populations and diverse communities in California, the question is: Can we do anything to prepare and deal with the lack of rain and its long-term variability?  Join us and learn what Sonoma Water is doing to deal with the drought and what all of us can do to help. Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: Drought is Here - Now What? September 28, 2021

Después de dos años consecutivos muy secos, la cuenca del río Russian River está en una sequía histórica. Como resultado, el suministro de agua potable para una población de más de 700,000 personas al igual que granjas y negocios, está en los niveles más bajos de su historia. Al igual que con otros fenómenos naturales que impactan directamente a poblaciones humanas y comunidades diversas en California, la pregunta es: ¿Hay algo que podamos hacer para prepararnos y lidiar con la falta de lluvia y su variabilidad a largo plazo? Lo invitamos a que se reúna con nosotros y aprenda lo que está haciendo Sonoma Water para lidiar con la sequía y lo que todos podemos hacer para ayudar. Mira el evento grabado aquí: Inmersión Profunda: La Sequía Está Aquí ¿Y Ahora Qué? 27 de septiembre de 2021

As part of the "Rising Waters" initiative, this public results and implementation workshop presents the findings of three student research projects on the challenging intersection of environmental, social and economic factors that impact water quality. Last spring and summer, students worked with faculty mentors and community partners to study the nexus of homelessness and water quality issues, presenting preliminary findings at a virtual event on May 8th (watch recording here). Join us now to hear about final outcomes, ask questions, and provide input on how these results can be used to take action in our community, with the goal of finding new solutions that benefit people experiencing homelessness and ensure high water quality for everyone. Watch recorded event here: Rising Waters: Water Quality & Homelessness, Results & Implementation Workshop, September 24, 2021

Bring researchers into your classroom and give students a window into the process of scientific inquiry. Join us for an informal chat with researchers whose field work directly impacts community members in California, Maine, and Ohio. Find out who they are, how they got interested in their research, and the scientific questions they are asking. Instructor Guide and Event Resources available. 

Come share your love of nature through music! In this beginner’s Introduction, we’ll explore how songs are valuable teaching tools to spread awareness about environmental concerns and ideas, and we’ll provide an easy entry into the art of songwriting. After covering basic musical building blocks, we’ll take a few minutes to explore our own outside spaces for inspiration, then break into groups to write new lyrics to familiar melodies. Deepen your connection to nature through song, and help others do the same. Watch recorded event here: Local Nature: Songwriting for the Earth, September 17, 2021

Learn nature’s secrets and how to share them with others. Explore the stunning ecosystems of Sonoma Mountain in-person with university faculty and other experts. This four-day training will give you new insights into local landscapes and the skills to share your knowledge as you lead tours of SSU’s Osborn Preserve. Join a community working to eradicate Nature Deficit Disorder in the North Bay! Activities will be subject to change based on the most recent guidance about COVID safety. Become a Community Naturalist and help everyone acquire the skills to get “Environmentally Ready.”