Power of the Acorn

Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
2:00 am – 6:00 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register at the Anderson Valley Land Trust: avlt@mcn.org

Native people honor oak woodlands as one of the world’s most life sustaining landscapes. Come walk through the woods of Galbreath Preserve from a Native Pomo perspective, reconnecting to its power and grandeur. We will learn the time-honored skill of sustainable acorn-collecting, and gain insight into oak propagation to help rebuild our forests.

Leader

Sherrie Smith-Ferri, PhD, Curator of Education & Exhibits, Grace Hudson Museum. 

Sherrie is a Dry Creek Pomo scholar and elder. She served as Director of the Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah, and more recently became curator of education and exhibits at the museum.

This event is presented in partnership with the Anderson Valley Land Trust.

Details

California’s oak woodlands are some of the world’s most life-sustaining landscapes. Among the lives they have nurtured are those of the Pomo Indians who lived for thousands of years on the land that is now the Galbreath Preserve. The Pomo use a variety of environmental management techniques to improve the health of the oak woodlands and all of its residents, while connecting with nature. Many of us hunger to learn those skills in today’s world. Join a Dry Creek Pomo scholar and elder to learn about oaks and acorns from a Native California perspective, and learn how you can employ ancient stewardship practices today.

We will meet at the Yorkville post office and form carpools to caravan to the Preserve. As we drive along the preserve's rugged roads, Sherrie will stop along the way to teach us about the different kinds of oak woodlands and traditional ways that oaks were tended and harvested. Through storytelling and practice, she will teach us how to harvest acorns sustainably and rebuild our woodlands. We will return to the post office at 1 pm.  Information about how you can continue using your new skills will be provided.   

Logistics

Children 12 and older are welcome if accompanied by a legal guardian. No previous experience or knowledge is required.

We will be hiking up to 1 mile with approximately 100 foot elevation gain.

We will meet in the parking lot of the Yorkville post office on Highway 128 between Cloverdale and Boonville. Parking at the post office is limited so please consider carpooling.

Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. Pets and smoking are not permitted.

There is a restroom available at the Galbreath Preserve, but no drinking water.

This is a rain or shine event.

What to Bring

Please bring rain protection, water, a snack, and shoes to hike in. Layered clothing and long pants are recommended.

How to Sign Up

This event is presented in partnership with the Anderson Valley Land Trust. Register by contacting the Anderson Valley Land Trust at avlt@mcn.org or 707-895-3150. Provide your name, email address, phone number and the names of any guests that will be attending with you.

For questions about the event, contact Margot Rawlins, Galbreath Preserve Program Coordinator: mrawlins0701@gmail.com.

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.