Sonoma State University
August 30, 2026

Naturalist Ed Series: Nature Journaling - Tips and Techniques

Nature Journaling

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
Sun, Aug 30, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Photo Credit: Sarah Reid

Register Here

Admission Fees: none
 

Don’t be afraid if you feel you can’t draw! Anyone can Nature Journal. This workshop is for both beginners and for experienced Nature Journallers. We will combine words, pictures and numbers with prompts in a journal, for you to take on as a personal practice or to teach those visiting the Fairfield Osborn Preserve.

Leader

Sarah Reid is a Certified California Naturalist and a Wild Wonder Foundation Certified Nature Journal Instructor. She also has extensive experience volunteering for countless Sonoma County agencies and leading nature hikes, and has mentored countless SSU student and volunteer community member naturalists, “training the trainer” for a new environmentally-ready generation. Sarah was just 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.

Details

We will combine words, pictures and numbers with the prompts “I Notice, I Wonder and It Reminds Me Of” in a journal, for you to take on as a personal practice or to teach those visiting the Fairfield Osborn Preserve. When we practice Nature Journaling, we explore the curiosity and awe of the nature in front of us, and it can become a calming therapeutic activity for any age. If you already have a journal and drawing supplies, feel free to bring them. We will have supplies available as well. The instructor will provide a resources list to each participant.

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 maximum hike is 1.5 miles with a 400-foot elevation gain. The route is dependent on weather.

  • Fairfield Osborn Preserve is a 15-minute drive from 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.
  • Please arrive to park in advance of the registered event start time. The preserve gate will be unlocked 20-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.
  • This event is appropriate for minors 12 years and older. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian for the entire event (the parent's/guardian's email can be used for their registration).
  • Pets and smoking are not permitted.
  • Preserve regulations prohibit foraging for food.
  • Due to narrow, rocky, unpaved trails, sturdy shoes for hiking are required and no strollers are permitted.
  • This is a rain or shine event, though severe storms 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. 

Optional: Please bring a notebook journal (or paper) and pencil, and colored pencils and/or watercolors, and a hand lens. Art skills are not a prerequisite. If needed, paper and clipboards, colored pencils and/or watercolors, as well as hand lenses, will be provided.

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.

Osborn Naturalists

We offer a Naturalist Ed Series to become an Osborn Naturalist every semester. You can also learn more about becoming an Osborn naturalist here.

Contact Email: winingek@sonoma.edu
Contact Phone: 707-664-4056

Sonoma State University acknowledges the Coast Miwok, Central and Southern Pomo, and the Wappo as the traditional stewards of our preserved lands. Let it be acknowledged that the Sonoma State University campus is located within the traditional homelands of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Sonoma State offers deep gratitude to the original stewards of this land and recognizes its immense historical, spiritual, and personal significance to the Native nations and peoples of this region.

Sonoma State University reconoce a los Miwok de la costa (Coast Miwok), los Pomo del centro y del sur (Central and Southern Pomo), y los Wappo como los guardianes tradicionales de nuestros terrenos preservados. Cabe destacar que el campus de Sonoma State University está ubicado dentro de las tierras tradicionales de los Indios Federados de Graton Rancheria (Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria). Sonoma State expresa su profunda gratitud a los guardianes originales de esta tierra y reconoce el inmenso significado histórico, espiritual, y personal a las naciones y pueblos indígenas de esta región.