Naturalist Ed Series: Observing & Identifying Plants

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
2:00 am – 5:00 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife and support pollinators. Join us to learn about plant diversity at the Osborn Preserve! We will explore a variety of vegetation communities including oak woodland, riparian, grassland and more where we will observe plants through sight, touch and smell. Find out what different types of plants including mosses, ferns, cone-bearing plants and flowering plants are up to this winter season.

Leader

Caprice Disbrow, Instructor of Biology and Botany at Santa Rosa Junior College and Napa Valley College, California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Milo Baker board member & Sonoma State University alumnus

Details

The distribution, abundance and diversity of plant species in any area are unique since they depend on climate, disturbance history and landform. Explore Sonoma Mountain to find and observe a wide diversity of plants and discover ways to identify species based on their unique characteristics. We will encounter various oaks, ferns, mosses, native grasses, and more! Along the way, we’ll learn about the life cycles of several plant species that occur at SSU’s Osborn Preserve and what we can do to support native plant diversity.

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. This event includes 20-30 minutes of sharing plant-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. The route is dependent on weather.

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. 

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.