Visit a Preserve
SSU Field Stations & Nature Preserves are protected natural areas for teaching and research use. Use by all academic disciplines in the liberal arts and sciences is encouraged. Recreation is not compatible with these activities and is not permitted.
All persons visiting a Preserve must have both a pre-approved application and verbal or email confirmation of visiting dates.
To Access a Preserve
1. Submit an Application - Please click on the appropriate link below to submit an application. Be sure to include your contact information and the purpose of your visit. Additional information is included within the application.
- University Class Application - also for use by high-school classes
- Research Application - Please use this application if you are conducting orginal investigations in the sciences or liberal arts.
- General Use Application - Please use this application for all other purposes (retreats, conferences, other events).
2. Submit a Liability Waiver and Release - Each visitor must sign and submit a waiver that releases SSU from liability. SSU Students must additionally submit an SSU student release form for each student. Please place your signed waivers (and releases) in the sign-in box near the Preserve entrances.
3. Sign In - All visitors to the Preserves must register at the sign-in box. This is in addition to signing a liability waiver.
4. Know Preserve Regulations and Safety Procedures - Access is conditional upon the visitors' ability to abide by Preserve rules and regulations. These regulations were designed to ensure protection of the land, research and educational activities, and the safety of Preserve visitors and staff. Persons applying for access are responsible for ensuring that all members of their party are aware or and abide by the regulations.
5. Pay Fees, if applicable - Use fees are charged for the following activities:
- 3rd - 5th Grade Field Trips: $3 per student participant (excluding adults).
- Saturday Public Hikes: $3 per participant.
- Use of the Marjorie Osborn Education Center by non-SSU groups : $80 for 4 hours or $150 for 8 hours.
Use fees are payable by check or cash. Checks may be made out to SSU Preserves and delivered to Preserves staff on the day of your event, or mailed to: Sonoma State University, Fairfield Osborn Preserve, 6543 Lichau Rd., Penngrove, CA, 94951. If you choose to mail your check, please include a copy of your application.
Directions
Visitors must have an approved application and verbal or email confirmation before visiting Preserves. Lock combinations are made available once applications are approved.
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
Los Guillicos Preserve