Micro Safari: A Curiosity Walk
Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
Sat, Sep 26, 10:00 am
– 3:00 pm
Admission Fees: This is a free event.
Fall is the time in the natural world that plants and arthropods (insects, spiders, crustaceans and millipedes) begin to pull back from the full activity of the spring and summer. However, that does not mean that nothing exciting is happening in their worlds.
Put on your curiosity hat as we explore the woodlands and ponds on the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve to see what is going on. We’ll put some of our attention on gall wasps and their intricate relationship with plants, but our excitement will be focused on discovering things we don’t necessarily know we will find. We hope to encounter dragonflies and damselflies skimming over the pond; scorpions under coverboards, wolf spiders hiding in plain sight; harvestmen (Daddy Long Legs) lumbering along and who knows what else???
Leader
Our leader on this day of inquiry is Cat Chang, an adjunct professor of architecture at the University of San Francisco and an iNaturalist board member. Hailing from Oʻahu, Cat learned Mālama ‘āina, a Hawaiian phrase that means caring for and honoring the land, from her Native Hawaiian family. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge of the important relationships between plants and arthropods and her interest in the entire natural world.
Logistics
- We will meet at the entrance to the Galbreath Preserve at 30720 Elkhorn Rd. in Yorkville, southern Mendocino County, off Highway 128. There we will form caropools to drive on the preserve. The preserve is a 90-minute drive from Sonoma State's main campus. Driving directions are provided here
- Parking is limited so please consider carpooling.
- It is not possible to join the event late or to leave the event early.
- All vehicles that enter the Preserve must be AWD or 4-wheel drive vehicle.
- You will receive more detailed information via email just before the event.
- Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival.
- This event is appropriate for minors 12 years and older. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian for the entire event, and all minors must be registered individually for the event (the parent’s/guardian’s email can be used for their registration)
- There is a restroom (porta-potty) available a few miles from the entrance to the preserve.
- Pets and smoking are not permitted.
- Due to rocky, unpaved roads, sturdy shoes for hiking are required and no strollers are permitted.
- No previous experience or knowledge is required to participate.
- This is a rain or shine event, but if the weather forecast is concerning, we will notify you via email of cancellation.
What to Bring
Please bring a backpack, sun and insect protection, rain gear, a water bottle, a bag lunch, and sturdy shoes to hike in. Layered clothing and long pants are recommended. Walking sticks might be helpful.
How to Sign Up
Register at the link above. Each participant 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.
Contact
If you have any questions about the event/registration inquires please contact Margot Rawlins.