Naturalist Ed Series: Pollinators Under Power Lines

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
6:00 am – 8:30 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

Pollinators like bees, flies, butterflies and beetles, are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we take! Come hear how SSU and Pollinator Partnership teamed up to research impacts on plants and their insect-pollinators due to vegetation management under power lines, and get a chance to contribute data yourself by performing a field survey. We’ll also discuss their roles in ecosystem health, and the fascinating larger world of insects and arthropods.

Leader

Adam Paoletti, Sonoma State University Biology Department alumnus and former Pollinator Partnership Researcher for the Pollinator Right-of-Way study

Details

Insects perform critical ecosystem services, acting as pollinators, decomposers and the foundation of many food webs. We'll start with an overview of arthropods and insects in general, including taxonomy, behavior, how they support local ecology, and point out those that live at Osborn Preserve. We'll then launch into a skill-building activity using the same protocol as a six-year long pollinator research project that has engaged dozens of SSU students.

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 2 miles with a 200-foot elevation gain. 

Directions are provided in your registration confirmation email. Porta potties are available on site. Please arrive to park in advance of your registered event start time. The *lower* preserve gate will be unlocked 20 minutes before the start of the event. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon your arrival. 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

Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19. You are encouraged to wear a mask when indoors (e.g., carpooling to or from the preserve). 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 or clipboard with a couple sheets of paper, and a way to take photos and record time (smart phones work well). Please do NOT wear insect repellent, instead wearing long sleeves and pants for insect protection. Please also bring a backpack, water bottle and snacks for the trail. We recommend layered clothing, covered shoes, a hat, rain gear, sun 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.