Sonoma State University

Reservations

Make a reservation to visit the SSU Preserves or Native Plant Gardens. Visits are encouraged for anyone engaged in education, research, or artistic pursuits!

If you would like to visit preserves and gardens as part of scheduled activities, please see:

All fields are required. Applicants will be asked to resubmit if the application has missing information. After the "submit" button is pressed, applications cannot be retrieved by the applicant for further editing.

For help or questions, contact Suzanne DeCoursey at 908-208-7834 or ssu.preserves@sonoma.edu.

Reservation Form
Proposed Activity
Location you want to visit

Please read carefully if you are applying to the Osborn Elementary School Program

Program Information

The Fairfield Osborn Preserve environmental education program features elementary school field trips led by naturalists who have been trained in natural history, state content standards and environmental education skills. The curriculum includes a 4-hour hike into the beautiful heart of the Preserve, as well as a teacher’s packet and a classroom visit to assist students with field trip readiness. The program can accommodate grades 3 through 5 only and is focused on academic standards for these grades.

Fairfield Osborn Preserve school tours are available during the fall and spring seasons.  To be considered for a Preserve field trip, teachers must complete the on-line application. If you would prefer to print out the application, you may return it to:

  • FOP Field Trip Reservations
  • 6543 Lichau Road
  • Penngrove, CA, 94951

Applicants are chosen by lottery for inclusion in the program. Please see the Events/Classes or available trip dates and application deadlines.

We ask that teachers NOT apply together unless they must come on the same date to share a bus.  If two or more teachers must share a bus (with no more than 66 students total), we ask that each teacher fill out a separate on-line application and provide a note that they are applying jointly.

It is important to the success of our program that teachers share the entire experience with their students.  Therefore, we request that teachers be present both during the classroom visit and on the trail the day of the field trip.  Parent chaperones are required at a ratio of 1 adult per hiking group and no more.  There is a fee of $3 per student. Payments must be made in advance via credit card or check (mail only). We no longer accept payment on the day of the trip. Adults are not charged.  Groups should plan to arrive at the Preserve at 9:45 AM and expect to depart at 2 PM (though earlier departures are permitted if school and/or bus schedules require such).

Please feel free to contact us with questions at: 707-664-2197 or ssu.preserves@sonoma.edu.

Your Information
Address
Your Status
You are ...
Please Provide
Degree you are pursuing
Your Affiliation or School
(Please do not abbreviate)
Title 1 School?
Emergency Contact Information
Course or Group Information
Is this course required for a major?
Are you visiting the preserve to conduct a research project?
Provide a brief description (50 - 100 words) of the purpose of your trip and proposed activities.


 

Research Project Information
Project Duration
Provide a brief description (50-100 words) of the significance of your proposed research (e.g., scientific abstract). This text may be used by SSU to describe your project in publications and websites.
Proposed Activities
Does your project involve:
Handling or removal of organisms or artifacts from the Preserve?
Please Specify:
Transfer of animals, plants, microorganisms or soil from outside the Preserve to within the Preserve, or between areas of the Preserve?
Use of isotopes or chemicals?
Soil disturbance? Include even minor activities such as use of shovels or trowels
Working off of existing trails?
Describe how you propose to manipulate the environment to undertake your study (e.g., digging, marking, trapping, equipment installation, etc.) Be sure to include descriptions of any activities referenced in the above questions.
Permits
If you selected "yes" for any of the categories listed under Proposed Activities, you may need campus, regional, state or federal permits to conduct your work. See our permit guide for information about permits you may need. Persons conducting activities on our Preserves are responsible for obtaining the appropriate permit(s) for their proposed activities and providing proof that they hold a copy. Please indicate if you hold any permits to conduct your proposed activities:
Permit Answer
Permit Option 1
Permit Option 2
Permit Option 3
Any notes you would like to provide about permitting? 
Contract/Grant Information
Contract Information
Do not abbreviate
Preferred Dates of Visit
Please enter at least three possible dates for your first visit
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Number of Participants
Transportation
Please carpool if possible. Parking is limited at some sites.
Vehicle Types
Facility Needs
Facilities
Galbreath Preserve
Osborn Preserve
Osborn Preserve (Marjory Osborn Education & Research Center)
Regulations and Safety

Preserve Regulations

Preserve rules and regulations are designed to ensure protection of resources and activities, and the safety of visitors and staff. By submitting this form:

  1. I acknowledge that I have read regulations & safety policies and will ensure compliance by all members of my group
  2. I agree to:
    • submit a Preserve waivers for each visitor at least one business day in advance of visit, or arrange to hand forms to Preserve staff immediately upon entering Preserve.
    • notify Preserve staff before each visit.
    • not disturb or remove organisms, soil, rocks, artifacts, flags, posts or other markers without an approved application.
    • report but not move pre-historic or historic artifacts.
    • remove all materials brought to the Preserve (unless I obtain written approval). 
    • acknowledge SSU Preserves in publications and send copies to the Preserves Director.

Note: When there is a risk of spreading Sudden Oak Death Syndrome, visitors must wash shoes before leaving. Washing requires one minute per visitor. Take this into account when scheduling trips.

I have read this application and all supporting documents. I swear that to the best of my ability I have provided accurate information in filling out this application. I understand that I can lose my visiting privileges if I do not abide by the conditions stipulated in this application.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.