Naturalist Ed Series: Scat, Tracks & More!
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
Sun, Feb 1, 10:00 am
– 1:00 pm
Admission Fees: This is a free event.
As humans, we often tramp blithely through the landscape, oblivious to the animals around us. Who was here before we stepped foot on the trail? How do their activities intersect with our own? Explore subtle and not-so-subtle signs on the Osborn Preserve with expert tracker, educator and ecologist Meghan Walla-Murphy.
Osborn Naturalists
This event is part of the Naturalist Ed Series, a program that trains participants to become an Osborn Naturalists in perpetuity. You can learn more about becoming an Osborn Naturalist to address nature-deficit disorder here, or contact Suzanne Decoursey at [email protected] for more information. No experience required. Must be age 18 years or older.
Leader
With great fortune, Meghan Walla-Murphy has been able to combine her passions for animal tracking, writing, and people into vocations of habitat conservation and public awareness. As an Educator, Ecological Consultant and Writer of books, essays, and articles, Meghan strives to help people connect to their external and internal landscapes. Learn more about Meghan's work and study.
Details
Although we sometimes see ourselves as separate from the landscape, humans remain a part of the world around us, and we can learn to read the signs left by our fellow creatures. Some may be fairly obvious, such as scat and tracks, but there is additional evidence that can help us "read" the activity in the environment. Learning how animals act in our familiar landscape can not only illuminate their lives, but illustrate how they interact with our own infrastructure and activities. You may be surprised about who visits your own yard or local parks, and how you affect the lives of creatures you may never see.
Logistics
The maximum walk will be 1.5 miles with a 400-foot elevation gain. 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.
- The preserve gate will be unlocked 15 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.
- Must be age 18 years or older.
- Pets and smoking are not permitted.
- This is a rain or shine event, though a severe storm 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.
How to Sign Up
Register at the 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.