Naturalist Ed Series: Plants on Sonoma Mountain in the Winter
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
Sun, Feb 1, 2:00 am
– 5:00 am
Admission Fees: none
Explore the diversity of plant life of Sonoma Mountain during the winter! We will explore a variety of vegetation communities including oak woodland, riparian, grassland and more where we will observe plants through sight, touch and smell. Find out what different types of plants including mosses, ferns, cone-bearing plants and flowering plants are up to this winter season.
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
Sarah Reid, a self-taught naturalist, has extensive experience volunteering for countless Sonoma County agencies. Sarah leads nature hikes and has mentored countless SSU student and volunteer community member naturalists, “training the trainer” for a new environmentally-ready generation. Sarah was just recognized by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for her 20+ years of exemplary volunteerism supporting parks, trails, and environmental programs and organizations in Sonoma County.
Details
The distribution, abundance and diversity of plant species in any area are unique since they depend on climate, disturbance history and landform. Explore Sonoma Mountain this winter season to find and observe a wide diversity of plants and discover ways to identify species based on their unique characteristics. We will encounter various oaks, ferns, mosses, native grasses, and more!
At the end, we’ll learn about observing plants through nature journaling by recording words, pictures and numbers to document our observations. What do we notice when we observe plants using our senses? Learn how outdoor inquiry through nature journaling can transform your daily life, as well as how it can give children hands-on experience involving what they study in school.
Logistics
The maximum hike will be 1.5 miles with a 400-foot elevation gain. The 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.
Optional: Please bring a notebook journal (or paper) and pencil, and colored pencils and/or watercolors, and a hand lens. Art skills are not a prerequisite. If needed, paper and clipboards, colored pencils and/or watercolors, as well as hand lenses, will be provided.
How to Sign Up
See registration 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.