Learn how to share nature’s secrets with others while exploring the stunning ecosystems of Sonoma Mountain with university faculty and other experts. This outdoor Naturalist Educator Series will give you new insights into environmental education concepts and the skills to share your knowledge with elementary school children. This Series also provides a built-in opportunity for you to share your knowledge with other naturalists and educators. Join a community working to eradicate Nature Deficit Disorder in the North Bay! Become an Osborn naturalist and acquire the skills to get “Environmentally Ready.”
Leaders
University staff and regional experts
Details
To become an Osborn naturalist: 1) Choose at least three Naturalist Ed Series events, 2) attend the “Osborn Safety” event, and 3) help lead four or more school tours *optional for credentialed teachers (see Requirements below)
Community members are welcome! School teachers and administrators are encouraged to join as a professional development opportunity, as the activities incorporate Next Generation Science Standards.
For each event, we will gather at Sonoma State University’s Fairfield Osborn Preserve to learn about native species and our connections to the land. Events within the Series vary by semester (spring & fall) and include plants, birds, amphibians, geology, human history and more. We will explore the eight ecological communities of the Osborn preserve with SSU faculty or local experts to experience first hand how these topics connect with concepts relating to watersheds, adaptations, scientific inquiry and more. Along the way, we will learn games to play with children to teach key concepts about our connections with nature.
We encourage you to practice your new knowledge and skills by leading four tours for 3rd-5th graders. Our naturalists initially lead tours by teaming up with experienced naturalists, and gradually work their way up to leading tours on their own. Credentialed teachers have the option of leading school tours, but are not required to.
As a Naturalist, you will be welcomed into a community of volunteers who work on university research projects, and attend special naturalist events, hikes and private access to the Osborn Preserve.
Requirements to become an Osborn naturalist
- Choose three or more Naturalist Ed Series events (below)
- Attend “Osborn Safety” event: Sunday, February 6 (10 A.M. to 2 P.M.)
- Commit to help lead four or more tours (grades 3-5) *optional for credentialed teachers
- Fridays, February 18 to March 25 (9:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.)
Naturalist Ed Series events:
- “Observing & Identifying Plants”: Sunday January 30 (10 A.M. to 1 P.M.) *
- “Amphibian Action!”: Sunday January 30 (1:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.) *
- “Birds & How to Observe Them”: Sunday February 6 (2:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.) *
- “Osborn Historical Ecology”: Tuesday February 8 (1 P.M. to 3 P.M.)
- “Inquiry Explorations in Nature”: Tuesday February 15 (1 P.M. to 3 P.M.) *
- “Regional Plants & Practical Uses”: Friday February 18 (3 P.M. to 5 P.M.)
* Event includes 20-30 minutes for sharing curriculum tips.
Must be age 18 years or older. No experience required. If you are an SSU UNDERGRADUATE student, contact Suzanne DeCoursey (decourse@sonoma.edu) for information about the student Naturalist Training Program.
Logistics
Events and tours are at SSU’s Fairfield Osborn Preserve, a 15-minute drive from SSU’s main campus. All events occur rain or shine.
The maximum hike will be 3 miles with a 500-foot elevation gain. With advance notice, we can accommodate participants who can hike a minimum of 1 mile with a 300-foot elevation gain.
Directions will be provided in your registration confirmation email. A sink for handwashing, potable water and restroom are available on site. Please arrive to park in advance of your registered event start time. The preserve gate will be unlocked 20 minutes before the start of each event. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon your arrival. No pets or smoking are permitted.
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 all of our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found at http://covid19.sonoma.edu/
Tours will take place in person or virtual, based on the most recent guidance about COVID-19 safety.
What to Bring
Please bring a suitable mask, backpack, water bottle, snacks for the trail, pen and paper. We recommend layered clothing, covered shoes, a hat, rain gear, sun and insect protection and hand sanitizer. We recommend you bring binoculars (if you have them), especially for any animal-related events (e.g., birds, amphibians, etc.). We have a limited number of binoculars.
How to Sign Up
See registration link below. Each participant should register separately. The last day to register is February 5, 2022.
There is a $40 materials fee per person (fee waived for credentialed teachers). After your first day of training, a payment link will be sent to your email.
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.