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Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:00am – 2:00pm

$35 per person
Ages 12 and up welcome 
Meet at the Dwight Center

Pepperwood Preserve is nestled among faults and streams that have formed on a tectonic boundary we call the San Andreas Fault. Forces at depth drive the motion of the land, which is simultaneously shaped from above by an evolving climate. Over long periods of time the land is slowly carved by air and water. The landscape and its ecosystem are a result of the confluence of geology, hydrology, meteorology and ecology. In disastrous events that from our human perspective can feel both instantaneous and prolonged, the land is remade by catastrophes fueled by earth and atmosphere. Geology and climate are the driving forces behind life as we know it in Sonoma County. 

Join Nicole Myers, lecturer at Sonoma State University, for a journey through geologic time and history in Northern California. We will observe how earth, air, water and fire have created the landscape features of Pepperwood Preserve, consider how these forces will continue to carve the land, and how climate change will influence the ever changing landscape. 

This class includes an opening lecture presentation, and a hiking field exploration. We will stop to eat lunch in the field, please plan to bring a trail-ready lunch to carry with you.

NOTE: This course provides a deeper dive into geological forces that influence life in our region, and can serve as an excellent “Geology Part II” when paired with our other geology-focused class, Intro to Geology of Sonoma County, on the previous Saturday, September 16. You can strengthen your foundational understanding of local geology, by also registering for the other geology class to serve as your “Geology Part I”.

Instructor Bio:

Nicole Myers, M.S. in Geological Sciences, developed a passion for understanding Earth from a childhood fascination with rocks and volcanoes. Following years of volcanic eruption dynamics research, in 2007 Nicole chose to focus on teaching others to appreciate planet Earth at SSU, SRJC, and COM where she has taught lecture & field classes on every Earth Science subject. Currently Nicole offers popular classes such as Age of the Dinosaurs, Natural Disasters, and Geology of Climate Change through the SSU Geology Department, and teaches OLLI classes through SSU. Nicole brings her enthusiasm for Earth appreciation to the community through earth science field explorations of Northern California offered through her business, Appreciating Earth, www.appreciatingearth.com.

Ease of access/hike level: This event includes an optional slow to medium paced hike of moderate hiking level, covering up to 3 miles on varied terrain including some steep inclines and uneven surfaces. The facility where this event takes place requires navigating a few stair steps to access the deck, interior of the building, and bathrooms.

Weather & Cancellations: This event will go on in light rain. However, it could be canceled in the case of heavy storms, unhealthy air quality or other unforeseen circumstances. In the case of cancellation, registrants will be notified via email.

Though we love dogs, pets are not allowed on the reserve. When visiting Pepperwood, please leave pets at home for their wellbeing and that of our wildlife. Thank you.

Please, no smoking at Pepperwood.

COVID Protocols: All events will follow current regional health safety guidelines. Please practice good health hygiene, and physical distancing when possible. If you do not feel well, please do not attend.

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Register for this class using the secure form below.

To register, select the applicable level below, either General or Friends of Pepperwood and click +Add. On mobile devices, you may need to scroll all the way to the right to find the +Add button. In the pop up window, enter your attendee information and scroll to the bottom to click “Continue”. Repeat this for other attendees. Next, on the main form, you may add an additional donation amount in the open field, then click the green “Continue” button to move to the final page for payment. Click the green “Process” button on this final page to complete your transaction.

For all questions about this event, please contact Holland Gistelli, Education Program Coordinator, at hgistelli@pepperwoodpreserve.org or (707) 591-9310 x 124.