Leave No Trace Awareness

How can we enjoy recreating in nature when we know that our presence could make a negative impact? Be mindful to Leave No Trace (LNT)! Learning how to practice LNT makes our communities and outdoor spaces healthier, is something we can all do when we interact with nature, and is a powerful skill we can pass down to the next generation. The "7 Principles" of LNT provide an easily understood framework for anyone visiting the outdoors. If interest is large enough, we may hold an official LNT Trainer Certification course for students, the campus community, and the public! So join us to learn minimum impact skills and ethics while having a great time on Sonoma Mountain with like-minded individuals.

Presenter

Reed Mathieson, Outdoors Programs Coordinator, Sonoma State University, and Master Educator, Leave No Trace

Details

The US Fish & Wildlife Service describes LNT in this way: "Leave No Trace is a national educational program to inform visitors about reducing the damage caused by outdoor activities, particularly non-motorized recreation. Leave No Trace principles and practices are based on an abiding respect for the natural world and our fellow wildland visitors. We can act on behalf of the places and wildlife that inspire us by adopting the skills and ethics that enable us to Leave No Trace."
 
We'll start inside the FIGR Learning Center to learn about the seven LNT principles: 1) Plan ahead and prepare, 2) Travel and camp on durable surfaces, 3) Dispose of waste properly, 4) Leave what you find, 5) Minimize campfire impacts, 6) Respect Wildlife, 7) Be considerate of others. Then we'll take off for a easy-moderate hike to explore how we could implement those principles in a landscape similar to the preserve.

Logistics

The maximum hike will be 2.5 miles with a 300-foot elevation gain, adaptable to participant abilities. The main presentation will be inside the accessible Learning Center.

Fairfield Osborn Preserve is a 15-minute drive from Sonoma State's main campus, on Lichau Road in Penngrove. Parking is limited so please consider carpooling. 

Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Pets and smoking are not permitted. This is a rain or shine event. No previous experience or knowledge is required to participate. 

COVID-19 Safety

Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.

What to Bring

Please bring rain, sun, and insect protection as needed, a water bottle and snack, and sturdy footwear for hiking in possibly muddy conditions.

A sink for handwashing, potable water and restrooms are available on site.

How to Sign Up

See registration link below. 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.

Location
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
Admission Fees
none
Contact Email
Contact Phone
7076644056
Contact Name
Kerry Wininger
DATES - TIMES - REGISTRATION
Date & Time Registration Link
Saturday, December, 7, 2024, 10:00am to 12:30pm