Saturday, October 25, 2025
9:00am – 2:00pm

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

Have you ever wondered about the diversity of rocks and landforms that can be seen in our local landscape – how did they get here, what are they made of? What is the Franciscan Mélange? How are faults and volcanoes represented here? From the unique topography of the Coast Ranges to the soils and plants that thrive here, the features we see all around us are controlled by geology.  In this class taught by Rebecca Perlroth, you will learn basic concepts of geology, earth history, and the rock cycle through a local lens. Discover how Pepperwood is representative of our region’s fascinating geology, and walk away with a better understanding of the forces which have shaped our landscape over millennia. We will stop to eat lunch in the field, please plan to bring a trail-ready lunch to carry with you. 

We highly recommend that you watch our previously recorded class presentation, Geology of the Mayacamas – featuring Rebecca Perlroth, before you join us. This video will give you helpful background information to support your learning in the field! Find it on our YouTube channel here.

Instructor Bio:

Rebecca Perlroth has spent the past 20 years studying and teaching the geology of California, and currently teaches geology at Santa Rosa Junior College where she serves as the Geology Department Chair. Rebecca loves leading field trips to show interested folks geology in the wild, and has taught many annual geology field classes at Pepperwood over the years. She earned her BS from Tulane University, and her MS from UCLA.  

 

 

Ease of Access/hike level: This event includes a hike of up to 3 miles of moderate to challenging hiking level. This includes traveling over varied terrain with steep inclines, including off trail and on uneven surfaces. Bathrooms and water are available at the event 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.

Refund Policy: A full refund can be given for cancellation requests made 8 days or more before the start of this event. Refunds will not be given for cancellations within 7 days of this event. Exceptions can be made for illness/medical reasons; please do not attend the event if you are sick. A minimum number of participants is required to run each event. In the case of this event being canceled by Pepperwood due to extreme weather conditions or other circumstances, refunds will be offered.

Back To All Events

---

Register for this class using the secure form below.

To register, click the +Add button on the right side of the General level below. 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 Manager, at hgistelli@pepperwoodpreserve.org or (707) 591-9310 x 124.

Registration opens for Friends of Pepperwood Donors on Monday, August 18, 2025.

Registration opens for the public on Monday, August 25, 2025.