Naturalist Ed Series: Amphibian Action!

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
5:30 am – 8:30 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

Amphibians are extremely sensitive to changes in the environment and are more commonly observed during the wet season. Join us during the optimal time of year to learn about these amazing animals that include frogs, toads and salamanders! We will explore their natural breeding and upland habitats as we travel through Osborn Preserve. You will also learn about SSU amphibian research and the natural history of special-status frog species including the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog and California Red-legged Frog.

Leader

Anna Erway, Wildlife Biologist and Graduate Student Researcher, Sonoma State University

Anna’s research focuses on California Red-legged Frog and Foothill Yellow-legged Frog in the SSU Biology Department Girman Group.

Details

Frogs, toads and salamanders are indicator species; they are sensitive to environmental changes and require moisture for at least a portion of their life cycle. Explore oak woodland, grassland, pond, creek, riparian and other vegetation communities at the preserve to find and observe a wide variety of amphibians. Researcher Anna Erway will provide an insider view about Sonoma State University’s studies involving frog species, including special-status species, and teach us about the survey techniques and tools commonly used in amphibian research. Along the way, we’ll learn about the biology of these fascinating amphibians, how they are affected by climate, habitat loss and environmental degradation, and what we can do to support the conservation of these amazing animals.

This event is part of the Naturalist Ed Series. The events within this Series allows participants the option to become Osborn naturalists to address Nature-Defcit Disorder. This event includes 20-30 minutes of sharing amphibian-related activities or observation practices. Participants are welcome to share and learn about curriculum. No experience required. Must be age 18 years or older.

Logistics

The events within the Naturalist Ed Series are held outdoors at SSU’s Fairfield Osborn Preserve, a 15-minute drive from SSU’s main campus. All events occur rain or shine.

The maximum hike is 1.5 miles with a 400-foot elevation gain. 

Directions are provided in your registration confirmation email. A sink for hand-washing, potable water and restrooms are available on site. Please arrive to park in advance of the registered event start time. The preserve gate will be unlocked 20 minutes before the event start time. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon your arrival. We will meet outside at the Osborn Education Center which is across the footbridge on the east side of the parking lot. No pets or smoking are permitted.

Parking is limited so please consider carpooling, and let us know if you plan to do this so we can open more registration spots accordingly.

COVID-19 Safety

At registration, you will be asked if you can provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All staff are fully vaccinated. 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. SSU requires that you must properly wear a mask when indoors (e.g., education center at Osborn Preserve, carpooling to or from the preserve), even if you are vaccinated. Bandanas, gaiters or vented masks are not suitable. We will spend our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.

What to Bring

Please bring a suitable mask, backpack, water bottle and snacks for the trail. We recommend layered clothing, covered shoes such as hiking boots, a hat, rain gear, sun and insect protection and hand sanitizer. We recommend you bring binoculars if you have them. We have a limited number of binoculars.

How to Sign Up

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

Osborn Naturalists

We offer training programs each semester (during winter and fall) to become an Osborn naturalist. Please contact Julie Wittmann for more information about how to become an Osborn naturalist at julie.wittmann@sonoma.edu.

You can also learn more about becoming an Osborn naturalist here.

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.