June 16 Speaker Series: An Introductory Field Guide to the Coast Redwoods

June 16, 2026, 7:30pm
Luther Burbank Art and Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa

Zoom link to this presentation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89750705919

An Introductory Field Guide to the Coast Redwoods

Abstract: Michael Roa will review his recent book, An Introductory Field Guide to the Coast Redwoods. The book is written for people who want to know more about the redwoods, as opposed to serious botanists who might want a more in-depth resource. It includes over 300 color photographs of over 120 species in its 104 pages. Those in attendance will receive a copy of his book to refer to as he shares a slide show about what the book includes. Attendees will be able to purchase copies of the book if they choose to do so.

Mike also helps organize the North Bay Science Discovery Day, and his presentation will include a short slide show about the event. The Milo Baker Education and Outreach Committee has a wonderful table at the event each year.

Bio: Michael (Mike) Roa is a retired school teacher. He was raised in Santa Clara County and earned his B.A., Secondary Teaching Credential, and Master’s degrees at San Jose State College. He began his career as a high school science teacher in Sunnyvale, where he taught a variety of science classes and also co-created a community-based high school program.

After getting married and starting a family, he moved to Sonoma County in 1985. He earned Multiple Subject (Elementary) Teaching and Administrative Credentials at Sonoma State University and held a wide variety of positions in public education in Sonoma County before retiring in 2007.

Since retiring, he has continued to be involved in science and environmental education in a variety of ways, including volunteering with the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, the North Bay Science Discovery Day, and publishing a monthly science and environmental education e-newsletter called “The Grapevine”.

While a classroom teacher, he and his students earned numerous science and environmental education awards. He is the author of several science education magazine articles and books, including the Environmental Science Activities Kit, The Conifer Connection, Redwood Ed, A Guide to the Side of the Sea, The Coast Redwood – Sequoia sempervirens – A Primer, and An Introductory Field Guide to the Coast Redwoods.

Mike lives in Sebastopol with his wife, J.T. O’Neill, who is also a retired teacher and counselor. His two children, Alex Roa and Megan Martens, also live in Sonoma County.

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.