Calendar of Events

Dig into Nature with us! Register below to attend virtual, on-campus and on-preserve events. Watch recordings under "Past Events." For questions, contact Kerry Wininger. Let’s learn new skills and deepen our understanding of the earth together!

  • Building Resilience - Discussions to foster climate resilience collaboration
  • Deep Dives - Live and recorded lectures and panels with experts
  • Learn with a Naturalist - Informal chats and fun outdoors
  • Live from the Field - Conversations with field station researchers worldwide
  • Local Nature - Live presentations with nature explorations close to home
  • Naturalist Ed Series (At Osborn Preserve) - Hikes with local experts & a learning community of naturalist educators

Saturday, November 23, 2024

a group of hikers watch a sunset

Natural History Hikes

10:00am to 2:00pm
Fairfield Osborn Preserve

University students and community docents will be your guide. Our guides are trained in natural history of the mountain and interpretation of preserve programs. They will lead you on one of many trails into this 450-acre preserve on the shoulder of Sonoma Mountain. Hike options include visits to the headwaters of Copeland Creek and spectacular vistas of the Santa Rosa Valley and Valley of the Moon.

Sunday, December 1, 2024

western jack o'lantern at base of tree

Galbreath Mushroom Blitz 2024

10:00am to 2:00pm
Galbreath Wildlands Preserve

Wild fungi give us a window into the health of our ecosystems, play a vital role in plant growth and communication, and can remove heavy metals from soil and water. For the sixth consecutive year, students and the community will comb the hills of the Galbreath Preserve to collect and record as many fungal species as possible. Join us to build identification and sustainable harvesting skills while adding to our research database. A sister event takes place at Osborn Preserve December 8th.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Trail camera image of a mountain lion at Galbreath Preserve

Living with Lions

12:00pm to 1:00pm
Online

Mountain lions are top carnivores playing an important role in our North Bay ecosystems, yet they live a fragile existence, moving through a mosaic of public and private lands. . The Living with Lions Project, a partnership between Audubon Canyon Ranch and True Wild, is studying our region’s mountain lions to identify priority habitats and key wildlife corridors and to promote ecosystem and wildlife conservation throughout our region

See them up close on wildlife camera footage taken at SSU’s Galbreath Wildlands Preserve in Mendocino County as you increase your understanding of these majestic hunters and learn how you can help protect their habitat and their very existence.

Saturday, December 7, 2024

mountain bikers on a path under trees

Leave No Trace Awareness

10:00am to 12:30pm
Fairfield Osborn Preserve

How can we enjoy recreating in nature when we know that our presence could make a negative impact? Be mindful to Leave No Trace (LNT)! Learning how to practice LNT makes our communities and outdoor spaces healthier, is something we can all do when we interact with nature, and is a powerful skill we can pass down to the next generation. The "7 Principles" of LNT provide an easily understood framework for anyone visiting the outdoors. Join us to learn minimum impact skills and ethics while having a great time on Sonoma Mountain with like-minded individuals!

Sunday, December 8, 2024

white and yellow mushroom cap with grass and leaves

Osborn Mushroom Blitz 2024

10:00am to 1:00pm
Fairfield Osborn Preserve

Wild fungi give us a window into the health of our ecosystems, play a vital role in plant growth and communication, and can remove heavy metals from soil and water. For the eighth consecutive year, students and the community will traverse the forests and fields of Osborn Preserve to collect and record as many fungal species as possible. Join us and build identification and sustainable harvesting skills while adding to our research database. A sister event is taking place at Galbreath Preserve on December 1st.

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Naturalists observing oak trees

Naturalist Ed Series: Become an Osborn Naturalist - Spring 2025

11:00am to 4:00pm
Fairfield Osborn Preserve

Learn how to share nature’s secrets with others while exploring the stunning ecosystems of Sonoma Mountain with university faculty and other experts. This Naturalist Educator Series will give you new insights into the natural history of local species and new ideas for sharing your knowledge with children. Join a community working to eradicate Nature Deficit Disorder in the North Bay! Become an Osborn Naturalist and acquire the skills to get “Environmentally Ready.”

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