Nature’s Wild Garden

Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
Sun, May 3, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Register Here

Admission Fees: none

Photo credit: Andy Balestracci

Viewed from afar, the hills of California appear as large swaths of gold, or green, depending upon the season. In the spring, however, other colors punctuate the landscape as the wildflowers stretch toward the warmth and the light. When you look even more closely, dazzling details become clear: the delicate intricacies of the grasses, the patterns of the wildflowers, the hectic activity of the insects, even the richness of the soil.

Join members of the California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS) local chapters on this exploration of the hills and valleys of the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve in southern Mendocino County. While we will not cover the full 3,670-acre preserve, we will drive through much of it, stopping to enjoy the diversity of wildflowers and other native plants that grow on the hillsides and in the dales.

Leader

This adventure will be led by board members from the Milo Baker chapter of the CNPS: Lynnette Bower, nursery chair and digitization coordinator, and Lynn Houser, field trip chair and vice president. Lynette is also an SSU student, majoring in Geography, Environment and Planning. They will be joined by Andy Balestracci, the Galbreath logistics manager.

Logistics

• We will meet at the main entrance to the Galbreath Preserve at 30720 Elkhorn Road in Yorkville, Mendocino County at the very end of this county dirt road, about 5.6 miles off Highway 128.  Directions to the preserve can be found at this link.  The preserve is a 90-minute drive from Sonoma State's main campus.  
• Parking is limited so please consider caropooling
• It is not possible to join the event late or to leave the event early.
• AWD or 4-wheel drive vehicles are required on the Preserve.
• You will receive more detailed information via email just before the event.
• Participant 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, and all minors must be registered individually for the event (the parent's/uardian's email can be used for their registration).
• There is a restroom (porta-potty) available a few miles from the entrance of the preserve.
• Pets and smoking are not permitted.
• Due to rocky, unpaved roads, sturdy shoes for hiking are required and no stroller are permitted.
• We will be walking over uneven and potentially steep ground in forested areas, but the walk will not be strenuous–perhaps half a mile total with minimal elevation gain. Walking sticks may be helpful.
• No previous experience or knowledge is required to participate.
• This is a rain or shine event, but if the weather forecast is concerning, we will notify you via email of cancellation.

What to Bring

Please bring a backpack, sun and insect protection, rain gear, a water bottle, a bag lunch, and sturdy shoes to hike in. Layered clothing and long pants are recommended. Layered clothing and long pants are recommended. Walking sticks might be helpful.

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

How to Sign Up

See registration link above. Each participant 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.