September 17 Speaker Series: The Importance of Urban Wildland, Local Biodiversity, and Global Warming
Abstract: The very air we breathe, the water we drink, and the foods we consume are dependent on healthy, diverse ecosystems. Loss of biodiversity and global warming are inextricably related problems. One can’t be solved without the other. This summer we’ve experienced extreme air temperatures on both a local, and statewide level. We’ve also seen the steady decline of critical insect, animal, and plant populations on the same scale. During this presentation, our speakers will explore the environmental, physical, and mental health, as well as sociocultural benefits of local urban wildlands as represented by a unique and rare gem of land hidden in Roseland.
This 20-acre parcel of land, generously purchased by Sonoma County Agricultural and Open Space District, and the City of Santa Rosa, consists of a healthy juvenile oak woodland, a reach of Roseland Creek with a restorable riparian habitat, and two meadows on the north and south parcels with remnant species of our valuable native grasses. One is a substantial patch of our State grass, purple needle grass, or Nassella pulchra. Bordered by Burbank and McMinn Avenues this potential urban natural area is within walking distance of seven public schools, many residences, and local businesses. There is presently a bus stop on Burbank Avenue near the site.
Referred to as the NeighborWood for many years, this land represents a unique opportunity for community-driven restoration, conservation, and education activities that are easily accessible to all. The rich cultural diversity of Roseland represents a unique opportunity for a combination of restoration activities and cultural exchange about land use and, the history of local native and invasive plants and animal life, something sorely needed in today’s fast-paced electronic society.
Bios:
Michael Lennox is a southwest Santa Rosa native. He attended CSU Chico and Sonoma State University for his two biology degrees. As a child, he was enamored with the ability of native plants to thrive in harsh locations. However, the soil he had to work with was shallow, with clay below, that all reliquified during big storms. Success was rare and mortality common. He found answers while working with Mr Rocky Thompson and the good crew at Circuit Rider Productions. He used this knowledge to bring modern revegetation methods to the Chico State Arboretum along Big Chico Creek.
Michael studied juvenile salmon’s use of intermittent streams and worked for UC Cooperative Extension to study riparian restoration success. He also worked to restore water quality on dairy ranches. He now provides ecological services for Olivet Ranch focusing on watershed-friendly drainage systems and the cultural benefits of healthy riparian areas.
Virginia Hotz-Steenhoven is a retired field naturalist, environmental educator, and museum director/curator. She developed and taught field classes for the California Academy of Sciences Adult Education Program, and College of Marin’s Marin Adventures Program. She also lectured for docent training programs at Bay Area institutions including the de Young Museum, CAS, and Coyote Point Museum. Subjects included California Indigenous uses of the the environment and contemporary California Indian artists. Virginia is also a Certified California Naturalist receiving her training in the original 16-week program jointly run by Santa Rosa Junior College and Pepperwood Preserve.
Virginia was born in Berkeley, California, and grew up on the San Francisco Peninsula in Menlo Park. She lived in Larkspur in Marin County for 35 years and moved with her late husband, Jon, to Sonoma County 20-plus years ago. After retiring from the Disability Resources Department at SRJC, where she worked for 23 years, Virginia decided to return to her most compelling interests. She enrolled in the California Naturalists training program and rejoined CNPS. Virginia is currently co-chair of the chapter’s Education and Outreach Program with Catherine Lipson and oversees the chapter’s speaker series.
Milo Baker Chapter General Meetings and Speaker Series are held on the third Tuesday of each month (except for July, August, and December) at 7:30p.m. Meetings are held at the Luther Burbank Art and Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa, or via Zoom.
Zoom link to this presentation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84901084432