Sonoma State University

Trainings

Interested in taking your environmental skills to a whole new level? With CEI multi-day trainings, you'll learn new skills and practice using those skills as you work with others. 

Naturalist Training for Students

Learn natural history and teaching techniques as you explore the Osborn Preserve with SSU faculty and other experts. Practice your new-found skills leading preserve tours for children or adults as an Osborn Naturalist.

  • Who Can Participate - All students are welcome. No experience required. Must be 18 years or older. Internships & extra credit and student assistantships are available for SSU students.
  • Where & When - Osborn Preserve. Occurs each Spring and Fall semester, 5 consecutive Sunday trainings, 9 am to 5 pm. 
  • How to Sign Up - Attend an informational meeting at the beginning of Spring and Fall semesters (January and August/September). Meetings are held after 5 pm on the SSU campus. Course fee is $40.
  • Contact - Suzanne DeCoursey, ssu.preserves@sonoma.edu, 707.664.2197

Naturalist Training for Community Members

Learn how to share nature’s secrets with others while exploring the stunning ecosystems of Sonoma Mountain with university faculty and other experts. This outdoor Naturalist Ed Series will give you new insights into environmental education concepts and the skills to share your knowledge with elementary school children.

  • Who Can Participate - All community members are welcome. No experience required. Must be 18 years or older.
  • Where & When - Osborn Preserve, variety of days and times. Search for “Naturalist Ed Series: Become an Osborn Naturalist!” on our Calendar.
  • How to Sign Up - Search for “Naturalist Ed Series: Become an Osborn Naturalist!” on our Calendar, then click the registration link at the bottom. Materials fee is $40.
  • Contact - Julie Wittmann, julie.wittmann@sonoma.edu, 707.888.9545

Land Management Training

Learn the techniques and strategies for restoring creeks, woodlands and grasslands, including species identification, ecology, use of restoration tools, and management plan design. Apply your new-found skills working with experts from five non-profits partners on long-term restoration projects.

  • Who Can Participate - All are welcome.  No experience required. Must be 18 years or older. Internships and extra credit are available for SSU students.
  • Where & When - Osborn Preserve and sites in west Sonoma County. Occurs each Spring semester, 5 consecutive Saturdays, 9 am to 5 pm.
  • How to Sign Up - Attend an informational meeting at the beginning of Spring semester (January). Meetings are held after 5 pm on the SSU campus. Course fee is $40.
  • Contact - Suzanne DeCoursey, ssu.preserves@sonoma.edu, 707.664.2197

Water Research Training

Learn how to conduct original research on water management challenges, such as water quality, sedimentation and invasive species. You will work with experts from Sonoma Water to gather data on critical questions affecting the Laguna de Santa Rosa and beyond. Share your results at a presentation at Sonoma Water offices in Santa Rosa. 

  • Who Can Participate - SSU students enrolled in GEP 359: Special Topics in Environmental Systems 
  • Where & When - SSU Campus, course schedule varies. Contact Jackie Guilford.
  • How to Sign Up - Enroll in GEP 359. No fees.
  • Contact - Jackie Guilford, guilforj@sonoma.edu

Environmental Sensor Network Training

Learn Internet of Things (IoT) basics as you install and test components of environmental sensor networks at SSU Preserves. Training content includes how sensors generate data, how data are transmitted through space, and how data are delivered for viewing on the internet. Work alongside professionals as you install and test new components on preserve networks.   

  • Who Can Participate - All are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Internships and extra credit units, or salaried positions are available for SSU students.
  • Where & When - Osborn Preserve (occasionally Galbreath Wildlands Preserve), 1-3 days 6 hours each. Usually during Summer. See Calendar. Search on "Technology".
  • How to Sign Up - See contact. No fees.
  • Contact - Chris Halle, halle@sonoma.edu