Naturalist Ed Series: Vertebrates of Kelly Pond

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
7:30 am – 9:30 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

Vertebrates are animals with backbones and include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes. Join Sonoma State University’s Biology graduate student, Hale Garcia-Dean, to hike up and explore Osborn Preserve’s Kelly Pond and learn about the ecology of the pond and the various vertebrates that can be found there. You will also learn about SSU research and conservation involving the California Red-legged Frog, a special-status species that occurs at the preserve and beyond.

Leader

Hale Garcia-Dean, Sonoma State University researcher, Girman Lab.

Hale's research is focused on performing radio telemetry on recently-metamorphosed California Red-legged Frog tadpoles to determine their movement patterns on Sonoma Mountain after initial emergence from ponds.

Details

The presence of vertebrates at Kelly Pond on Sonoma Mountain can be identified by prints, scat, fur, feathers, changes in vegetation, bubbles in the water, sound and more. We will explore this perennial pond community at the Osborn Preserve to understand the ecology of the pond and the species that can be found there. Which, if any, fish species live in the pond? What are the life cycles of the amphibian species that reply on the pond? What are the threats to the special-status California Red-legged Frog that require ponds for part of their life cycle? Which birds, mammals and reptiles use the pond as a source of drinking water or to find prey? Please bring binoculars (optional).

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 mile 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 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 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. Please bring binoculars (optional).

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.