Laguna Watershed Perspectives: A Hike at Fairfield Osborn Preserve

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
3:00 am – 5:30 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event via Eventbrite

The Laguna de Santa Rosa stretches for 220 square miles that cover areas from Windsor to Cotati, and it all starts somewhere. At this event, our perspective of our watershed will start at the highlands. Join us to explore Sonoma County volcanics, and how the geology of Sonoma Mountain affects downstream weathering, erosion, landslides and mass wasting. From the course of Copeland Creek to vegetation types and herpetofauna populations, we will see how geomorphologic changes affect the plants and animals on Sonoma Mountain.

Leaders

• Suzanne DeCoursey, Education Manager, Center for Environmental Inquiry
• Christine Anderson, Center for Environmental Inquiry Naturalist and Sonoma State University Geology Student

This event is a partnership with Sonoma Ag + Open Space and Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation.

Logistics

This hike will be roughly one mile on a single track with a steep 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.

A restroom, sink for handwashing and potable water are available on site. This is a rain or shine event.

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, even if you are vaccinated. You are highly encouraged to become fully vaccinated, and to properly wear a mask when indoors (e.g., inside the Education Center, while driving in carpools). Bandanas, gaiters or vented masks are not suitable. We will spend all of our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.

What to Bring

Please bring a suitable mask, sun, rain and insect protection, a full water bottle, lunch or snack, and shoes to hike in. Layered clothing and long pants are recommended.

How to Sign Up

See registration link below. Each person should register separately and indicate if they are bringing children. There is no charge for this event, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax.

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.