Department of Environmental
Studies & Planning

Special Resources

The department maintains several valuable learning environments and facilities on campus. They include:

The Fairfield Osborn Preserve:
A 220-acre field station that provides environmental education programs and opportunities for scientific research. The preserve is a 15-minute drive from campus, atop Sonoma Mountain. Click here to visit the Preserve's website.

The Environmental Technology Center (ETC):
A model for sustainable building techniques and technologies, this center includes extensive energy management control technologies, environmentally-sensitive materials, passive solar heating and cooling, daylighting
technologies, and a roof-integrated photovoltaic system. It serves as a training facility for building professionals and teachers as well as an educational and research site. The ETC is located in the EarthLab gardens which focus on agroecology and environmental restoration. Click here to visit the ETC website.

The SSU Botanical and Kenneth M. Stocking Native Plant Garden:
A showcase of diverse California plant communities and a quiet place for education and relaxation. Located near the campus lakes, the garden includes a guided trail through woodland, marsh and riparian
ecosystems.

The Institute for Community Planning Assistance:
A research arm of the department that carriers out contract studies for local communities and public agencies, utilizing paid student assistants. Click here to visit the ICPA website.

Copeland Creek:
Julie Bright is the faculty advisor of Friends of Copeland Creek (F.O.C.C.), a Sonoma State University student organization dedicated to the ecological restoration of the Copeland Creek natural area, which runs through campus. The goal of the club is to restore the native riparian forest ecosystem, including its native plant and animal diversity and ecological processes. All students, as well as others from the community interested in ecological restoration, are welcome to participate in our weekly meetings and special events. To find out how you can get involved, or for more information, check out the Friends of Copeland Creek web page.