Sonoma State University
August 29, 2026

Naturalist Ed Series: Reptiles of Sonoma Mountain

gopher snake on soil

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
Sat, Aug 29, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Register Here

Admission Fees: none

Reptiles are “cold-blooded” vertebrates, including but not limited to turtles, snakes and lizards. Join College of Marin Biology Instructor, Wendy St. John, to explore the habitats of various reptile species as we travel through Osborn Preserve.

 Leader

Wendy St. John teaches biology at the College of Marin. While she was a graduate student at Sonoma State University, she studied the nesting habits of western pond turtles. Now, she focuses on teaching both majors and non-majors in biology courses, and introducing people of all ages to the wonderful world of reptiles. In her spare time she enjoys wildlife photography, is learning to speak Spanish, and writes and records music.

Details

Reptiles are ectotherms, animals whose blood temperature changes with the outside temperature. We will explore oak woodland, grassland, pond, creek, riparian and other vegetation communities at the Osborn Preserve to find and observe a variety of these amazing vertebrates which have skin covered in scales. Along the way, Wendy St. John, will teach about the biology of these reptiles, how they are affected by climate, habitat loss and environmental degradation, and what we can do to support the conservation of these amazing animals. 

This event is part of the Naturalist Ed Series. The event within this Series allows participants the option to become Osborn naturalists to address Nature Deficit Disorder. No experience required. Must be age 18 years or older.

Logistics

  • 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.
  • The maximum hike is 1 mile with a 200-foot elevation gain. 
  • 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.
  • Please arrive to park in advance of the registered event start time. The preserve gate will be unlocked 20-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.
  • This event is appropriate for minors 12 years and older. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian for the entire event (the parent's/guardian's email can be used for their registration).
  • Pets and smoking are not permitted.
  • Preserve regulations prohibit foraging for food.
  • Due to narrow, rocky, unpaved trails, sturdy shoes for hiking are required and no strollers are permitted.
  • This is a rain or shine event, though severe storms 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

See registration link above. 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.

Osborn Naturalists

We offer a Naturalist Ed Series to become an Osborn Naturalist every semester. You can also learn more about becoming an Osborn naturalist here.

Contact Email: winingek@sonoma.edu

Sonoma State University acknowledges the Coast Miwok, Central and Southern Pomo, and the Wappo as the traditional stewards of our preserved lands. Let it be acknowledged that the Sonoma State University campus is located within the traditional homelands of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Sonoma State offers deep gratitude to the original stewards of this land and recognizes its immense historical, spiritual, and personal significance to the Native nations and peoples of this region.

Sonoma State University reconoce a los Miwok de la costa (Coast Miwok), los Pomo del centro y del sur (Central and Southern Pomo), y los Wappo como los guardianes tradicionales de nuestros terrenos preservados. Cabe destacar que el campus de Sonoma State University está ubicado dentro de las tierras tradicionales de los Indios Federados de Graton Rancheria (Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria). Sonoma State expresa su profunda gratitud a los guardianes originales de esta tierra y reconoce el inmenso significado histórico, espiritual, y personal a las naciones y pueblos indígenas de esta región.