Naturalist Ed Series: Regional Plants & Practical Uses

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
7:00 am – 9:00 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

Plants provide food, medicine, shelter, dyes, oils, resins, fibers, gyms, soaps, waxes, latex, tannins and more. Join us to learn about the interrelations between humans and plants at the Osborn Preserve! We will use our senses to explore the various aspects of regional plants and learn about the various practical uses.

Leader

John Lynch, a Certified California Naturalist, has over a decade of experience as a nature hike leader throughout all of Sonoma County including state parks and the Osborn Preserve. John is passionate about reconnecting people of all ages to exploration and inquiry and believes ethnobotany bridges the human experience with the natural world.

Details

Ethnobotany is the study of a region’s plants and their practical uses through the traditional knowledge of a local culture and people. We will explore Sonoma Mountain to find and observe a wide diversity of plants and even fungi, and learn about their practical uses. As we encounter oaks, ferns, mosses, native grasses, fungi and more during this interpretive hike, we will find out how the plant parts including whole plants, seeds, roots, flowers, bulbs, fruits and more have sustained humans. Along the way, we will encounter a wide variety of animals that may include amphibians, birds, mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and spiders. 

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. 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.

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

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.