Plants of Sonoma Mountain in August
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
10:00 am
– 1:00 pm
Admission Fees: This is a free event.
Explore the diversity of plant life of Sonoma Mountain during the fall. We will explore a variety of vegetation communities, including oak woodland, riparian, grassland and more. During the event, we will observe plants through sight, touch and smell. Towards the end, we'll learn about observing plants through nature journaling by recording words, pictures and numbers to document our observations. What do we notice when we observe plants using our senses?
Find out what different types of plants (including mosses, ferns, cone-bearing plants) and flowering plants are up to this fall season and learn how outdoor inquiry through nature journaling can transform your daily life.
No experience required. Must be 18 years or older.
**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.
Leader
Sarah Reid, a self-taught naturalist with extensive experience volunteering for countless Sonoma County agencies, will lead the event.
Sarah was presented by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors recognition for her 20+ years of exemplary volunteerism supporting parks, trails and environmental programs and organizations in Sonoma County.
Logistics
The event will be held outdoors at SSU's Fairfield Osborn Preserve, a 15-minute drive from SSU's main campus. Rain or shine.
This includes a 1.5 mile hike with a 400-foot elevation gain. The route may change depending on the weather during that day.
Once you have registered, directions to the location will be provided. Stationary areas will be included, such as: a sink for handwashing, potable water and restrooms available on site. Please arrive at the park earlier than the intended event time. (The gate will be unlocked 20 mins before the event start time.) You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon arrival. We will gather outside the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Learning Center, located across the footbridge on the east side of the parking lot. Pets and smoking are not permitted.
Please consider carpooling, as parking at the preserve is limited. If you plan on bringing additional participants, please let us know in advance so we can open more registration spots.
What to Bring
Please bring a backpack, water bottle and snacks. We recommend layered clothing, covered shoes that are best for hiking/walking, a hat, sun protection and insect protection.
Optional: A notebook, journal or paper, a pencil, colored pens and/or watercolors and hand lens. If needed, everything listed prior will be provided.
How to Sign Up
Register at the link above. Each participant should register separately.
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.
Contact
If you have any questions about the event/registration inquires please contact Kerry Wininger.