Copeland Creek Riparian Restoration
2013 to present
Faculty: Wendy St. John, Caroline Christian, Heidi Herrmann, Michelle Goman, Nathan Rank
Partners: Sonoma Water, Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, Sonoma County Water Agency, CSU Campus as a Living Lab, Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps, California Conservation Corps
This multi-year project engages students in all phases of restoring riparian habitat along the stretch of Copeland Creek that bisects the Sonoma State University campus.
Habitat comparisons of herptofauna diversity
2019
Faculty: Wendy St. John
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry
A comparison of reptile and amphibians diversity and abundance in marsh, woodland and grassland.
Effects of climate on amphibians and reptiles
2019
Faculty: Wendy St. John
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry
Amphibians and reptile responses to changing weather conditions provides insights into how climate change will affect these species.
Factors affecting Sudden Oak Death
2019
Faculty: Robin Glas, Wendy St. John, Melina Kozanitas, Nathan Rank, Martha Shott
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry
Multiple studies of the factors affecting the spread and severity of Sudden Oak Death at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve.
Douglas fir encroachment
2019
Faculty: Robin Glas, Wendy St. John, Melina Kozanitas, Nathan Rank, Martha Shott
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry
Douglas fir encroachment into oak woodlands is occurring across the Pacific West and is thought to be caused by a historic reduction in fire frequency. The loss of oak woodlands due to this process is causing declines in biodiversity and abundance of native species. Multiple studies assess rates of conversion at the SSU Preserves.
Osborn Campground design project
2013 to present
Faculty:
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry
We are exploring opportunities for small overnight camping facilities at the Osborn Preserve.
Modifying stream channels to control invasive species
2018 to present
Faculty: Jackie Guilford
Partners: Sonoma Water
Parts of the Laguna de Santa Rosa have been invaded by non-native Ludwigia. Sonoma Water is removing sediment from the Laguna near Stony Point Road in Rohnert Park to create a narrower, deeper, more shaded channel that could reduce habitat for this species. We are monitoring changes in channel shape and species distribution to determine the efficacy of this approach.
Impacts and control of Himalayan blackberry
2017 to 2019
Faculty: Robin Glas, Wendy St. John, Melina Kozanitas, Nathan Rank, Martha Shott
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry
Multiple studies investigate impacts and control strategies for non-native Himalayan blackberry, Rubus armeniacus, at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve.
Erosion monitoring in the Copeland Creek watershed
2013 to present
Faculty: Michelle Goman, Robin Glas, Wendy St. John, Jeff Baldwin, Owen Anfinson, Jackie Guildford
Partners: Center for Environmental Inquiry
Students have established long-term monitoring transects in the upper watershed at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve, the alluvial fan east of campus, and on the SSU campus.
Designing a solar powered boat
2016 to present
Faculty: Sara Kassis
Partners: Sacramento Municipal Utility District
We designed and built a solar-powered canoe to race in the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) annual Solar Regatta Competition at Rancho Seco Recreational Area on May 4, 2019. This was the third year SSU competed in this race.