From afar, our coastal grasslands appear as vast swaths of green or gold, depending upon the time of year. Within the small space of a footprint, however, you can find a wealth of diversity – grasses towering over gorgeous wildflowers, busy pollinators, snakes hiding in rodent burrows and fungi recycling nutrients. Come learn about this world that is often overlooked, but integral to our well-being. We will explore the history, beauty and mysteries of this dynamic and complex ecosystem as well as management approaches to preserving this threatened system that supports native biodiversity, healthy soils and water quality, and in turn provides benefit to all residents of our community. Come away with a deepened appreciation for the tiny forest beneath our feet. Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: Waving in the Wind, March 18, 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 studying the various ways herbivores like deer, elephants, and bison are impacting their ecosystems in Kansas, New York, and South Africa. Find out who they are, how they got interested in ecology, and the research questions they are asking. Instructor Guide and Event Resources available. Watch recorded event here: Live from the Field: Effects of Herbivores on Ecosystems, March 12, 2021 *If you are an instructor who used this for your class, please take this short survey

California is waging war against the three largest environmental issues of our time: severe catastrophic forest fire, drought and climate change. These issues are linked. With climate change comes drought, and with extremely dry conditions come extremely large, hot burning fires. Forest maintenance is critical to fire prevention and mitigation, but can present its own hazards through the resulting debris. While there are several approaches to dealing with that debris, one has the potential to keep carbon from escaping into the atmosphere and potentially add to soil health, without the use of heavy equipment: converting biomass to biochar. Come learn about biochar, its characteristics and benefits, and see a demonstration of biochar production in a portable kiln on site in the Usal Redwood Forest in northern Mendocino County. Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: Biomass to Biochar, March 10, 2021

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.