Evidence of life and natural processes is everywhere when we're in the outdoors, and even in our urban and suburban everyday lives. But how do we really tune-in, learn more and make connections? What evidence of the natural world has piqued your interest? How do you begin to learn more about the objects you find:  feathers, eggs, seeds, cones, scat, tracks, bones, rocks, shells? Join us for an informal talk and conversation about how to more actively observe the natural objects you find, and discover resources to help you learn more about the plants and animals with whom we share our spaces. Watch recorded event here: Learn with a Naturalist: Get Curious in the Outdoors September 21, 2020

How should we manage public land in California? Join us for one or both parts of this two-semester event series that seeks to explore the many facets of this question. In this first hour, we will use Yosemite and the Fairfield Osborn Preserve as case studies to outline major themes in the history of California land management, the philosophy of why that management was chosen, and its effects on California’s land. Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: Shifts in Land Management, September 19, 2020

¿El quedarnos en casa durante esta pandemia ayuda o perjudica el progreso que habíamos logrado de cuidar nuestros océanos? Acompáñanos a entender como la pandemia del COVID-19 ha creado dificultades para la conservación de los océanos, con un énfasis especial hacia la conservación de las tortugas marinas. Aprenderás acerca de estos magníficos animales, su historia de conservación, el rol tan importante que tienen en nuestros océanos, y cómo cada uno de nosotros podemos protegerlos en estos tiempos tan difíciles. Mira el evento grabado aquí:  Inmersión Profunda: Tortugas Marinas y COVID-19 el 17 de septiembre de 2020

Are you prepared for wildfires and earthquakes? Did you know that millions of years of earthquakes in Sonoma County created the topography that now directs wildfire paths? Come learn how climate conditions, tectonic setting, and human influence sets the stage for wildfires. To help you get ready for potential natural disasters, we’ll introduce you to websites and maps that can help you predict where earthquake damage will occur, and how and where wildfires may spread. The more you know, the better you are prepared, the calmer you will be when a disaster strikes. Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: Wildfire Links to Earthquakes September 16, 2020

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.

Learn why birds, butterflies, bats and dragonflies from other countries pass through your community and how their ancient, globe-trotting travels are threatened by climate change. Did you know monarchs travel 3,000 miles, or that five species of dragonflies migrate? Climate change affects when plants bloom and seasons change, threatening migrations of these special animals. Join us for a dynamic presentation with activities and methods to turn our neighborhoods into migratory way-stations. Watch recorded event here: Local Nature: Migration and Climate Change September 3, 2020

You're invited to see through the eyes of our SSU Naturalists. Come enjoy short selected video clips filmed during the shelter-in-place on topics ranging from investigations of local plant species, becoming present in nature, and how to explore the environment right outside your window. Education Manager, Suzanne DeCoursey, will be our guide through this video showcase, introducing each clip and answering your questions, and will be joined by some of the filmmakers themselves. Watch recorded event here: Learn with a Naturalist: Video Showcase Exploration June 22, 2020

Join Oregon naturalist, educator, and biological illustrator, Christine Elder, to learn how to incorporate nature sketching into your field studies. She will chat about the benefits of a nature journaling practice, then she'll lead you through some fun sketching exercises to get you familiar with techniques you can use for yourself and your students. Watch recorded event here: Learn with a Naturalist: The Value of Field Sketching June 12, 2020

How did Sonoma Mountain and the surrounding terrain form? SSU Geology Instructor Nicole Myers will lead you on a virtual geologic exploration of the formation of Sonoma County over the last ~140 million years. Learn how tectonic, seismic, and volcanic events formed the rocks, valleys, and mountains around us. This presentation is intended for geo-beginners and self-proclaimed-geology-nerds alike and will serve as an introduction to the local geologic processes & climatic trends that comprise the natural forces that form our home land, including wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: Sonoma Mountain Geologic & Climatic Evolution June 4, 2020

Storytelling is perhaps the essence of human communication. It’s how we can breath life and meaning into environmental facts and information. During this hour I will share some nature based stories, explore how to be a more effective storyteller, and possibly guide us to jointly make a new story. Watch recorded event here: Learn With a Naturalist: Storytelling in Nature