Saturday, December 2, 2023
8:00am – 4:00pm

$45 per person
Ages 12 and up welcome 
Meet at the Dwight Center

Ever wonder what takes place in the wilderness when we are not looking? Come explore the fascinating lives of animals at Pepperwood with local wildlife ecologist Meghan Walla-Murphy and Pepperwood’s Wildlife Specialist Steven Hammerich, with this immersive class! If we can learn to interpret the signs of animals and the language of birds, we will begin to see and hear the living story of the land.  

As we explore the different habitats of the Preserve, we will learn the foundations of animal track and sign and observe the stories they leave behind.  We will also learn the basics of bird language. Through the eyes of our wildlife cameras, Meghan and Steven will show you that the wild things are not as far away as you might think! See bucks rutting, skunks lumbering about, mama bears with playful cubs, and bobcats sleeking across the screen. Learn about the important wildlife conservation research that Pepperwood is pioneering in the North Bay, such as serving as a key partner in the efforts of the North Bay Bear Collaborative.

Instructor Bios:

Steven Hammerich is a lifelong resident of Sonoma County. He grew up on a small farm in northwest Santa Rosa and has always had a connection to the land. He was introduced to Pepperwood in 2010 through classes taken at the Santa Rosa Junior College. The preserve captured his interest and he immediately became a Pepperwood volunteer. After taking the California Naturalist classes at the SRJC, he became a Pepperwood Steward and began working on the wildlife camera project. Now a member of the Pepperwood staff, Steven coordinates volunteers, manages data and equipment, and performs field work on the Wildlife Picture Index research project. He has since graduated from SRJC and then Sonoma State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. Steven enjoys hiking on and off trail in our local hills.

Meghan Walla-Murphy has had the great fortune of being able to combine her passions for wildlife, writing and outreach into vocations of habitat conservation and public awareness. As an educator, wildlife ecologist and writer of books, essays and articles, Meghan strives to help people connect to their external and internal landscapes through observation and tracking. In addition to a formal academic background, Meghan has had the privilege of tracking across the U.S. and internationally with indigenous cultures who continue to live close to the land. This academic and practical training has given Meghan the ability to meet and unravel some of our most pressing environmental, social, and political challenges from many diverse perspectives.

Some of Meghan’s current projects include a habitat connectivity project in Sonoma County and lead of the North Bay Bear Collaborative. Meghan is faculty in the Natural Resource Management Dept. at Santa Rosa Junior College and an instructor for University CA Master Naturalist Program. For more information please visit her website   www.meghanwallamurphy.com 

 

Ease of Access/Hike Level: Most of this class will be held in the field and will include hiking up to 5 miles under moderate to advanced hiking levels, over varied terrain including hills and uneven surfaces. Bathrooms and water are available at the meeting location.

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.