Human Rewilding & Natural Navigation

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
2:00 am – 5:00 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

Join Jessica Carew Kraft, California naturalist and author of Why We Need to Be Wild for an adventurous wild wander. Nature is always making a map for us, and the land is full of clues and signs. We will learn and practice techniques for reading the landscape used by wildlife trackers and all of our ancestors to forage and navigate. If you've ever wondered about how humans survived and thrived in wild environments, or questioned how to keep yourself from getting lost without using GPS, this afternoon excursion will give you more knowledge and the confidence to safely wander off the beaten path. Expand your perception of subtle signs in nature so that you can "read" trees, water paths, shadows, animal signs, and several species of edible plants. Kraft will also share her personal story of learning the skills of rewilding depicted in her book. 

Leader

Jessica Carew Kraft is an independent journalist trained in cultural anthropology, with degrees from the University of London, Yale University and Swarthmore College. Her reporting on health, culture, tech and education has been published in The New York Times, Politico, NBC News, KQED, and many other outlets. She has taught anthropology, urban agriculture, and sustainability at UC Berkeley, the Academy of Art University, California College of the Arts, and the California Institute of Integral Studies, and is also a UC Naturalist.

Logistics

The maximum hike will be 2.5 miles with a 300-foot elevation gain.

Fairfield Osborn Preserve is a 15-minute drive from Sonoma State's main campus, on Lichau Road in Penngrove. Parking is limited so please consider carpooling. Driving directions will be provided in your registration confirmation and email.

Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Pets and smoking are not permitted. This is a rain or shine event. No previous experience or knowledge is required to participate. 

COVID-19 Safety

Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.

What to Bring

Please bring rain, sun and insect protection as needed, a full water bottle and snack, book/paper for notetaking, and sturdy footwear for hiking. Long pants are recommended.

There is a porta potty available, but no potable water.

How to Sign Up

See registration link below. Each person should register separately. This event is free of charge.

About the Center

Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry empowers university students to work with community members on the environmental challenges of the North Bay. Our mission is to create an engaged and environmentally ready society, one where all people have the skills to find solutions to the challenges facing our earth. SSU Preserves are open to everyone engaged in education or research. Reservations are required.