Fieldwork
The institute’s field-based experiences create even more opportunities for reading the word and the world of cli-fi. Center for Environmental Inquiry Director Claudia Luke and Education Manager Suzanne DeCoursey teach us how to engage in observation, wondering or inquiry, and recording ideas through drawing and writing. How can we understand systems today for a better tomorrow?
Point Reyes Peninsula
Claudia Luke and Suzanne DeCoursey will guide participants on a visit to the Point Reyes Peninsula, a spectacular headland area surrounded by Tomales Bay and the Bolinas Lagoon. We will explore the incredible and nearly unparalleled biodiversity of the area (1,500+ species) at the Hagmaier Ranch House, and examine evidence of contemporary human impacts on water across the state. Read more on Point Reyes.
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
“The 450-acre Fairfield Osborn Preserve lies on the northwest flank of Sonoma Mountain in Sonoma County, California. In 1997, The Nature Conservancy donated the Preserve to Sonoma State University, maintaining a conservation easement over the property for educational, research, and conservation.” Sonoma State University and the Preserve are located on the traditional homelands of the indigenous peoples collectively known as Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo. Here, we begin our fieldwork journey with Claudia Luke and Suzanne DeCoursey. We follow water’s journey, visiting Copeland Creek and the site of massive storm-driven landslides. Read more on the Fairfield Osborn Preserve.
Guerneville (Stump Town) and Russian River
“Guerneville is built adjacent to the Russian River. Redwoods grew in the riverbed with such vigor that just a few centuries ago, the valley had the greatest biomass density on the planet, according to local lore… Except for a large stand of ancient trees preserved in the Fife Creek watershed, now the centerpiece of Armstrong Woods Park, many of the trees were logged in the late 19th century and the early 20th century, giving rise to the first English name for the place – "Stumptown." We will also visit the Mirabel Fish Ladder and explore the future of water and water use in our region, in the face of increasing drought. Read more on Guerneville.
California Academy of Sciences
“The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. We harness our voice as a scientific and cultural institution to positively impact policy and public opinion in support of thriving social and ecological communities—and by listening to, lifting up, and learning from underrepresented voices..” Read more on the California Academy of Science.
The San Francisco Wave Organ
“The Wave Organ is a wave-activated acoustic sculpture located on a jetty in the San Francisco Bay… The installation includes 25 organ pipes made of PVC and concrete located at various elevations within the site, allowing for the rise and fall of the tides. Sound is created by the impact of waves against the pipe ends and the subsequent movement of the water in and out of the pipes.” We travel from freshwater to seawater, and explore the future of the shoreline as sea levels rise. Read more on the Wave Organ.
Sonoma Developmental Center
“The Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) is a nationally-recognized institution in the heart of Sonoma Valley. At 945 acres, the property includes a large historic campus, agricultural lands to the east, and vast ecological and open space resources. The SDC provided services to persons with developmental disabilities for over 120 years; it has a deep history in the valley and came to be recognized as a place of healing and community.” This now abandoned site will be part of a writing marathon related to post-apocalyptic storytelling and world-building with the literary faculty. Read more on the Sonoma Developmental Center.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
“The serene, majestic beauty of this Grove is a living reminder of the magnificent primeval redwood forest that covered much of this area before logging operations began during the 19th century. Armstrong Redwoods preserves stately and magnificent Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the coast redwood.” Read more on Armstrong Woods.
The institute’s field-based experiences create even more opportunities for reading the word and the world of cli-fi. With Claudia Luke and Suzanne DeCoursey, we wrap up our exploration of the future of water in our region with a visit to an area where water and fire meet. The fog that rolls through this recently burned forest nourishes the redwood seedlings sprouting from the ashy soil.