How should we manage public land in California? Join us for the second part of this two-semester event series that seeks to explore the many facets of this question. In this first part of this two-part series, we talked about the major themes in the history of California land management, the philosophy of why that management was chosen, and its effects on California’s land. We used Yosemite and the Fairfield Osborn Preserve as case studies to illustrate all of this. Now, in this second part, hear James answer the question of where he thinks we should go from here with California's land management. Or rather, given all that has happened, how does he believe we should approach land management today. Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: Shifts in Land Management Part 2, March 2, 2021

Earth’s rock formations provide the very foundation of our existence on the surface of the planet, and the rocks contain a record of how our planet has changed over time. We will explore the rock cycle as a tool to help us understand how and why rocks change, as we focus on the rocks that comprise the geological substrate of western California. You will learn how different kinds of rocks form and change in a unique way, creating the region’s distinctive characteristics. Attendees will be given a chance to explore their own backyard bedrock through an innovative app, Rockd.org, and learn how the rocks beneath them formed and continue to evolve. Watch recorded event here: Local Nature: The Rock Beneath Your Feet, February 26, 2021

Ever stumble upon a newt ambling slowly across your path in the woods, and wondered why the little critter didn’t seem concerned by a world full of threatening animals? That's because newts are defended by one of the most dangerous poisons ever discovered—tetrodotoxin—and almost no predators can eat them: almost no predators. Some garter snakes in parts of California and Oregon have overcome this imposing defense, but dining on newts may come at a price. Learn about this evolutionary drama unfolding between predators and prey right here in Northern California. Join us to explore local garter snakes, newts and the poison that binds them in an evolutionary arms race.

Learn nature’s secrets and help others get "Environmentally Ready!" Explore the stunning ecosystems of Sonoma Mountain with university faculty & other experts (virtually), with safe in-person access to Osborn Preserve. Become a naturalist to gain insights into local landscapes and the skills to share your knowledge.

Every February, people from around the United States participate in The Great Backyard Bird Count. This free, fun and easy event engages bird watchers of all ages to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at birdcount.org, where scientists from The Audubon Society and Cornell University Lab of Ornithology can view and analyze the data to study migration, population changes, impacts of climate change on our feathered friends, and much more. Anyone can take part, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and you can participate from your backyard or anywhere in the world. Marisela will help us get started on the first day of the count and you can take it from there! Watch recorded event here: Local Nature: Great Backyard Bird Count, February 12, 2021

How can one capture the wonder of the outdoors on the written page? Engage your senses as we explore the aspects of nature right around your own home or in your memories, recording focused observations, then creating short nature essays based on the birds, fresh dew, deer, crisp weather, mushrooms, and even marine mammals of winter that we’ll come to know. Learn how to articulate your experiences of the natural world in writing! Watch recorded event here: Local Nature: Winter Writing Walk, December 12, 2020

The profound connection to the environment and wildlife enjoyed by many nature photographers is not accessible to us all equally. Whether you or someone you want to invite on nature photography outings uses a wheelchair, has limited use of their hands, or is weak and has tremors, this informative and interactive event is for you. We will explore artistic techniques using Assistive Technology (AT) for smart phones and digital cameras in order to promote accessible photography for everyone. You are encouraged to reach out to event leaders in advance for specific information about your disability or mobility needs, and how to acquire AT. After a presentation and demonstration of homemade and purchased AT photography devices, we will break to photograph nature around our homes using pre-selected devices, followed by sharing our experiences and discussion about finding accessible nature photography sites. Watch recorded event here: Local Nature: Photography with Assistive Technology, December 3, 2020

You say your tree has lots of green lacelike material hanging from some of the branches and those branches don’t look very healthy. Is that lichen or Spanish moss? Is it harming my tree? Lichens often seem to confuse people, but they are an excellent example of symbiosis in nature. In this program, educator and lichenologist Jen Riddell will clear up some of this confusion and help you understand and identify this important organism. Watch recorded event here: Local Nature: Lichen Love November 21, 2020

Invasive plants are one of the most significant threats to the native plant communities of California. They out-compete our native flora for resources such as space, light, water and nutrients and can entirely replace natural vegetation communities. They also can degrade rangeland, increase the risk of wildfire and flooding, consume valuable water, and reduce habitat value for wildlife. Learn about this charged term ‘invasive’, what it means, what invasive plant impacts have been in Northern California and how you can help prevent their spread. Watch recorded event here:  Deep Dive: Problem Plants November 14, 2020

Bring researchers into your classroom and give students a window into the process of scientific inquiry. Join us for an informal chat with researchers from the Nutrient Network (NutNet) studying how humans are impacting nutrients and consumers in Argentina, Colorado, and New Mexico. Find out who they are, how they got interested in grasslands, and the research questions they are asking. NutNet is a coordinated research network comprised of more than 130 grassland sites worldwide. Instructor’s guide available. Watch recorded event here: Live from the Field: Nutrient Cycling in Grasslands November 9, 2020 *If you are an instructor who used this for your class, please take this short survey