Geology of Sonoma Coast                                

Saturday, February 6, 2010
9:00am-2:30pm (includes lunch break)

Instructor: Rebecca Perlroth, Geology Instructor, Department Chair, SRJC, Earth and Space Sciences Dept.
This seminar will take place at Shell Beach and Bodega Head. Learn about the geologic formations, landforms, geologic history, plate tectonics, and their significance on the Sonoma Coast.

Environmental Living Program Logistics for Docents - 2:30-4:00pm
Learn about this inspiring environmental education program for middle school students where they learn about the cultural groups that have lived and worked on the Sonoma Coast and in the Willow Creek watershed.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED ON OUR WEBSITE OR
EMAIL rherrick@mcn.org

Whale Watch Hike
Sunday, February 7, 2010 12:30 to 2:30pm, Bodega Head

Join Norma Jellison for a leisurely hike along the Bodega Headlands path looking for migrating Gray Whales and other marine mammals, birds, emerging wildflowers and whatever else presents itself and learn a little history of the nuclear power plant once planned for the Head. Rain cancels.

Register Online

Pinnipeds & Sonoma Coast Birdlife
Saturday, February 13, 9:00am to 11:00am

Instructor: Dr. Sarah Allen (Senior Science Advisor, National Park Service Pt. Reyes)
Learning about the pinnipeds (seals) on Sonoma Coast from Dr. Allen is always a treat. This expanded seminar with include information about harbor seals, sea lions and elephant seals.

Sonoma Coast Birdlife
11:00-12:00pm
Instructor: Mary Follis (Seal Watch mentor and trainer)
An outstanding introduction to coastal bird life.

(Lunch Break)

Seal Watch Program Logistics
1:00-3:30pm
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
Being a Seal Watch volunteer is a special calling. Learn what it takes to educate the public about the largest harbor seal rookery in Sonoma County and protect these federally protected marine mammals during their fragile pupping season. Our Pinniped Monitoring program will also be discussed.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED ON OUR WEBSITE OR
EMAIL rherrick@mcn.org

Park Advocacy Day - March 8, 2010

The 8th Annual Park Advocacy Day (PAD) will take place on March 8th in Sacramento from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Visit the California State Parks Foundation website to sign up for PAD 2010.

Also email stewards@mcn.org to let us know that you plan to attend and we will work out carpooling for this interesting and empowering event. Training is provided and you will mentor with other experienced advocates. Don't miss this great opportunity to meet with legislators in person!

Sudden Oak Death Seminar

Master Gardeners and Stewards Partner to Save Our Oaks
Saturday, March 13 at 10:30 am, FREE - no donations requested

A team of Sonoma County Master Gardener specialists are partnering with Stewards to present a free seminar on Sudden Oak Death (SOD) on Sat., March 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Armstrong Redwoods.

The Master Gardeners have received a grant from the USDA Forest Service to educate the public about the causes, distribution and treatment options of the disease.

The SOD specialists Ann Chambers, Janet Calhoun, John Chavez and Phyllis Turrill will describe the symptoms of the disease, the extent of the infection and what local oaks are susceptible.  They will also suggest ways to keep oaks as healthy as possible and demonstrate the latest preventative treatment options. The talk will also include a walk through an area in the Park that has been infected by SOD.

The specialists have recently received extensive training in SOD from experts at the University of California and other leading scientists in the field.  In particular, they have studied the pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum that causes the disease.  For more information, call the Santa Rosa Master Gardener office at 565-2608 or visit www.sonomamastergardeners.org or register online for the seminar.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods