Naturalist Ed Series: Early Flowering Plants & Nature Journaling

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
6:30 am – 9:30 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

Nature journaling is noting observations of the natural world, including flora such as flowing plants. Join us to observe oak woodland, pond and grassland vegetation communities to discover flower shapes, leaf shapes, and more while learning to identify a variety of early-blooming plant species. We will explore Osborn Preserve through recording words, pictures and numbers to document our observations. What do we notice when we observe plants using our senses? Learn how outdoor inquiry through nature journaling can transform your daily life, as well as how it can give children hands-on experience involving what they study in school.

Leader

Sarah Reid, a self-taught naturalist, has extensive experience volunteering for countless Sonoma County agencies. Sarah leads nature hikes and has mentored countless SSU student and volunteer community member naturalists, “training the trainer” for a new environmentally-ready generation.

Details

Nature journaling is the practice of drawing or writing in response to nature. We will travel through Osborn Preserve’s vegetation communities during the optimal time of year to find, observe and record interesting aspects of early-blooming plants. What details can we notice about flower, leaf, stem textures and colors? Along the way, we will participate in explorations and learn the types of questions naturalist educators can ask children to support their discoveries in nature. Please bring a notebook journal (or paper) and pencil; it is optional to bring colored pencils and watercolors. Art skills are not a prerequisite. If needed, paper and clipboards, as well as hand lenses, will be provided.

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 mile with a 200-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 15 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 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. You are highly encouraged to 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 all of our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.

What to Bring

Please bring a notebook journal (or paper) and pencil; it is optional to bring colored pencils and watercolors. Art skills are not a prerequisite. If needed, paper and clipboards, as well as hand lenses, will be provided. Please also bring a suitable mask, backpack, water bottle and snacks for the trail. We recommend layered clothing, covered shoes, a hat, rain gear, sun and insect protection and hand sanitizer. 

How to Sign Up

See registration link below. 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.

Osborn Naturalists

We offer a Naturalist Ed Series 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.