Campus Community Invited to Tours of Galbreath Wildlands Preserve on April 19, May 3

This spring, faculty, staff and administrators are cordially invited to go on a tour of SSU's Galbreath Wildlands Preserve in southern Mendocino County. This spectacular 3,670-acre preserve was donated to SSU in 2004 and has quickly become an important part of the University's educational and research programs.

Hall Cushman, Director of the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve and Professor of Biology, has scheduled tours on two upcoming Saturdays - April 19 and May 3. Each excursion takes all day, with vehicles departing from SSU at 9 a.m. and returning to campus by 4 p.m. Visitors will explore the preserve on foot and in four-wheel-drive vehicles and learn about the natural history of this wonderful resource. The preserve provides a natural laboratory for University students and researchers in the areas of biology, geology, geography, archaeology, astronomy and environmental studies.

Located 17 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, the spectacular landscape ranges from 900 to 2,200 feet in elevation and is home to many species and habitats, including bald eagles, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, and black bear as well as extensive stands of redwood, fir, oak and madrone.

Space is limited for these field trips and as many people as possible will be accomodated. Please contact Ronnie Goodlund (goodlund@sonoma.edu or 4-2171) in the School of Science and Technology Office ASAP to join one of these tours. Detailed information about what to bring will be e-mailed out to all individuals who sign up for a tour.

Galbreath Wildlands Preserve photos by Linnea Mullins