Naturalist Ed Series: Hiking & Visiting Osborn on Your Own

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
2:00 am – 7:00 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

Learn Osborn Preserve’s hiking trails, games to play with children on the trail and how to gain additional access to the preserve on your own! Are you curious about the flexible program requirements to become an Osborn Naturalist to gain amazing opportunities that SSU’s Osborn Preserve has to offer? This event is mandatory for those who would like to become an Osborn Naturalist and optional for those interested in learning more about becoming an Osborn Naturalist.

Leaders

University staff and Osborn Naturalists

Details

No commitment required to join this event! The flexible requirements to become an Osborn Naturalist include joining additional Naturalist Ed Series events and teaming up with experienced naturalists to help co-lead school tours. 

Osborn Naturalists are welcomed into a community of volunteers who work on university research projects, attend special naturalist events and hikes and gain additional access to the Osborn Preserve. Naturalists completing the program receive an “Osborn Naturalist Certificate of Completion.” Join a community working to eradicate Nature Deficit Disorder in the North Bay! Become an Osborn Naturalist and acquire the skills to get “Environmentally Ready.” 

Our program is flexible to fit into your busy schedule. (If you are an SSU Undergraduate student, contact Suzanne DeCoursey at decourse@sonoma.edu for information about the Student Naturalist Training Program.)

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 2 miles 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.

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 suitable mask, backpack, water bottle, snacks for the trail, writing implement and paper. 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.