Guided Public Hikes
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
April 4, 2026,
Sat, Apr 4, 10:00 am
– 2:00 pm
April 11, 2026,
Sat, Apr 11, 10:00 am
– 2:00 pm
April 18, 2026,
Sat, Apr 18, 10:00 am
– 2:00 pm
April 25, 2026,
Sat, Apr 25, 10:00 am
– 2:00 pm
May 2, 2026,
Sat, May 2, 10:00 am
– 2:00 pm
May 9, 2026,
Sat, May 9, 10:00 am
– 2:00 pm
Admission Fees: none
No registration necessary. Meet in the Osborn Preserve parking lot. Trail groups leave at 10 A.M.
University students and community docents will be your guide. Our guides are trained in natural history of the mountain and interpretation of preserve programs. They will lead you on one of many trails into this 450-acre preserve on the shoulder of Sonoma Mountain. Hike options include visits to the headwaters of Copeland Creek and spectacular vistas of the Santa Rosa Valley and Valley of the Moon.
Leaders
SSU Student and Community Naturalists
Details
We will meet in the Osborn Preserve parking lot. Trail groups leave promptly at 10 A.M.; The gate into the parking lot will only be open 9:40-10:20am. We will explore different areas of the preserve, learning nature observation skills and knowledge along the way, as well as ways to take this new information back home and take action. Groups will break for lunch on the trail, and return to the parking lot at the end of the hike by 2 P.M.
Hikes take place each Saturday from April 4th to May 9th
Learn about becoming a trained Naturalist at the following links:
Logistics
These hikes are family-friendly and open to all. Expect to hike at least 1 mile with 200-foot elevation gain, and some groups will hike up to 3.5 miles with 500 feet elevation gain, adaptable to participants' abilities. Tours are variable in length, adapted to the interests and expertise of participants and naturalists, and governed by current environmental conditions.
- Fairfield Osborn Preserve is a 15-minute drive form Sonoma State's main campus, on Lichau Road in Penngrove. Driving directions will be provided in your registration confirmation and email & can be found at this link.
- 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 20-minutes prior to the start time of the event. The preserve gate will be locked 20-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.
- All ages welcome! All minors must be accompanies by a legal guardian for the entire event, and all minors must be registered individually for the event.
- Due to narrow, rocky, unpaved trails, sturdy shoes for hiking are required and no strollers are permitted.
- Pets and smoking are not permitted.
- These are rain or shine events, though severe storm may cancel
- Preserve regulations prohibit foraging for food.
- 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.
sun and insect protection, rain gear, a water bottle, a bag lunch, and shoes to hike in. Layered clothing and long pants are recommended. Walking sticks might be helpful.
How to Sign Up
No advanced registration necessary. 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.