Naturalist Ed Series: Coexistence with Native Predators
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
10:00 am
– 1:00 pm
Admission Fees: none
(Each participant should register separately)
Curiosity in nature supports a deeper understanding of the natural world including animal behavior. Join us to learn about coexisting with native predators as we travel through the Osborn Preserve to find and observe scat, tracks, bones, feathers, fur and other evidence of native predators.
Leader
Sarah Killingsworth is an award-winning wildlife conservation photographer and filmmaker, UC certified California naturalist, member of the Board of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin and the NANPA Ethics Committee and is also the Program Chair for the Keeping it Wild Youth Education and Outreach Program with Project Coyote.
Details
Inquiry is a learning approach involving the natural world that leads to asking questions, making discoveries and testing those discoveries. We will look for signs of native predators such as coyotes, bobcats, badgers, river otters and foxes at the Osborn Preserve. Our leader, Sarah Killingsworth has spent years observing and documenting native predators in both suburban and wild environments. As we hike and search for evidence of wildlife, Sarah will share coexistence tips as well as insights into how wildlife adapts to living in our midst. Understanding about the intersection of humans and wildlife habitats, how wildlife adapts to ever-encroaching human development as well as ways we can work to protect species before they become endangered will be incorporated into this hiking adventure.
This event is part of the Naturalist Ed Series. The event within this Series allows participants the option to become Osborn Naturalists to address nature-deficit disorder. 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 mile with a 400-foot elevation gain.
Directions are provided in your registration confirmation email. A sink for handwashing, 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.
What to Bring
Please bring a water bottle and snacks for the trail. We recommend layered clothing to wear indoors and outdoors, covered shoes, a hat and rain gear. Please bring binoculars (optional).
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.
Osborn Naturalists
We offer a Naturalist Ed Series (link to Calendar, https://cei.sonoma.edu/calendar) 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.