Learn about the magical variety of photography opportunities right in your backyard using your cellphone or digital camera. You will have an opportunity to develop an eye for close-up and creative shots, turning even ordinary natural items into photos to enjoy. Rick will show you basic photography techniques to help you capture the changing light and seasons in your neighborhood. Then there will be 20 minutes for you to take outdoor photos, followed by sharing photos and answering questions. Watch recorded event here: Local Nature: Backyard Photography May 22, 2020

Wildlife cameras have been widely used by ecology researchers, students, landowners, hunters, and wildlife enthusiasts over the past 30 years. Come learn about the different wildlife camera models and how to decide which model is right for you. You will learn how to set-up a wildlife camera in your back yard and how to identify wildlife in camera trap photos. Our goal is to get you excited to discover the wildlife in your back yard. Keep reading for helpful videos and documents, and watch recorded event here: Citizen Science: Backyard Wildlife Cameras May 16, 2020

Watch Camera trap set-up video here: Backyard Camera Set-up

Aquatic insects and other invertebrates are an integral part of any aquatic system, and they can also be used as an indicator of water quality. We’ll talk about some of the macro invertebrates that can be found in our lakes and streams, and learn how to use the Aqua Bugs phone app to identify them. Watch recorded event here: Citizen Science: Aqua Bugs, Invertebrates & Water Quality May 15, 2020

How does an understanding of waves and sound help citizens and scientists to understand the natural world (and particularly birds)? Which birds can we observe with sound? How can you train your ear to notice the birds around you? Learn how to apply this fascinating area of research in your own life to increase your enjoyment of your local birds! Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: Waves, Sound & Bird Sampling May 11, 2020

Calflora is a website used to help anyone (from land managers to expert botanists and average Joes alike) learn more about California's wild flora. This event will cover the many features of the Calflora website and will also touch on the Calflora Observer Pro smartphone app. Equipped with this knowledge, participants will put their new skills to the test as they go out to their backyards and local natural areas in their neighborhoods to identify and/or make observations of plants for the Calflora database. Watch recorded event here: Citizen Science: Exploring California's Plants Using Calflora May 8, 2020

Would you like to turn your property into a sanctuary for salamanders, bats, butterflies, lizards, native bees and songbirds? We'll talk about basic principles of providing backyard habitat and the specifics of how to attract wildlife in the Bay Area. Our interactive program will include several DIY projects, including how to create salamander and lizard refugia, nesting for native bees and a quick-and-dirty bird feeder, all with materials you already have at home. Watch recorded event here: Learn With a Naturalist: Create Shelter for Wildlife During Shelter-in-Place May 7, 2020

What factors determine where turtles choose to lay their nests? Do freshwater turtles return to the same nesting locations time and time again? Join us to learn about SSU research conducted on these topics, and to explore other questions about Western Pond Turtles.  Watch recorded event here: Deep Dive: Drivers of Nesting Behavior in the Western Pond Turtle May 4, 2020

Help control this destructive forest pathogen! Now in its 13^th year, this statewide citizen science project is vital to managing Sudden Oak Death, which is widespread in Sonoma county. Join us to contribute to science while getting your own bay laurel or tanoak trees tested at no cost. This is a bilingual event (English and Spanish). Watch recorded event here: Citizen Science: Sudden Oak Death Blitz May 3, 2020

¡Ayuda a controlar este destructivo patógeno del bosque! Ahora en su decimotercer año, este proyecto de ciencia comunitaria en todo el estado es vital para administrar Sudden Oak Death, que está muy extendido en el condado de Sonoma. Únase a nosotros para contribuir a la ciencia y obtener sus propios árboles de laurel o tanoak sin costo alguno Este es un evento bilingue (Inglés y Español). Mira el evento grabado aquí: Citizen Science: Sudden Oak Death Blitz May 3, 2020

Many of California’s oaks are falling victim to the forest disease Sudden Oak Death (SOD). Learn more about this destructive scourge by attending this online training then live Q&A discussion, and taking samples from your own trees in the Anderson Valley for free testing by UC Berkeley. 

What can you do about our changing climate? This presentation will include a brief summary of climate change, with particular emphasis on local changes. We will then transition to what can we personally do to get involved and help with climate change efforts, including contributing data via the free citizen science phone app iSeeChange. Watch recorded event here: Citizen Science: Climate Change and Personal Action May 1, 2020