Naturalist Ed Series: Geology of Sonoma Mountain
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
Sat, Jan 24, 1:30 pm
– 5:30 pm
Admission Fees: none
Geology is the study of the Earth; its composition, history and physical processes. Geologist Christine Anderson will share her knowledge of the geology of Sonoma County, including Sonoma Mountain. How have tectonic, seismic, and volcanic events formed the rocks, valleys, and mountains around us? We can understand how the Earth has changed through time through studying rocks, geochemistry and geobiology.
Join us to explore the Fairfield Osborn Preserve landscape through a geological lens. While hiking through the unique landscape of the preserve, find out how Sonoma Mountain and the surrounding area formed. We will learn about geologic processes and climatic trends that comprise the natural forces of Sonoma County, including wildfires, floods and earthquakes.
Osborn Naturalists
This event is part of the Naturalist Ed Series, a program that trains participants to become an Osborn Naturalist in perpetuity. You can learn more about becoming an Osborn Naturalist to address nature-deficit disorder here. No experience required. Must be age 18 years or older.
Leader
Christine Anderson, Sonoma State University Geology alumna and Osborn Naturalist.
Christine holds a BS in Geology from Sonoma State University and participated in an undergraduate program funded by a USGS grant during the summer of 2022 in Springerville, Arizona, where she mapped and characterized basalt lava flows. In the summer of 2023, she completed an intensive field program through Idaho State University. She currently works for ConeTec, a company specializing in geotechnical site investigations, where she conducts cone penetrometer testing to assess soil behavior characteristics, as well as seismic velocity testing and soil and water sampling. She has been volunteering and working as a Naturalist at the Osborn Preserve since transferring to SSU at the beginning of 2022. She loves leading focused geology hikes for the new Naturalists, as well as other community groups.
Logistics
The maximum hike will be 1.5 miles with a 400-foot elevation gain. The route is dependent on weather.
- Fairfield Osborn Preserve is a 15-minute drive form Sonoma State University's main campus, on Lichau Road in Penngrove. Driving directions are available here in English and in Spanish.
- Parking is limited so please consider carpooling, and park close together. Let us know if you plan to carpool so we can open more registration spots accordingly.
- The preserve gate will be unlocked 15-minutes prior to the start time of the event. The preserve gate will be locked 15-minutes after the start of the event time. It is not possible to join the event late or to leave the event early.
- We will meet outside at the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Learning Center, which is across the footbridge on the east side of the parking lot.
- A restroom, sink for hand-washing, and potable water are available on site.
- Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival.
- Must be age 18 years or older.
- Pets and smoking are not permitted.
- This is a rain or shine event, though a severe storm may cancel.
- No previous experience or knowledge is required to participate.
What to Bring
Sturdy footwear for hiking is required. Please bring a backpack, a water bottle, and snacks for the trail. Layered clothing, long pants, toe-covered shoes, rain gear, a hat, sun protection, and insect protection are recommended. Walking sticks may be helpful.
How to Sign Up
See registration link above. Each person 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.