Explore The Little Black Mountain Preserve Enroll in SRJC’s “Field Archeology” Course this Fall!
Sign up for Santa Rosa Junior College’s “Field Archeology” course this fall, and explore the Sonoma Land Trust’s Little Black Mountain (LBM) Preserve near Cazadero in West Sonoma County! The class, offered on Wednesday evenings with five field visits to the LBM Preserve, offers experience with historic and prehistoric resources while providing a beautiful setting for learning. Registration is now open. For more information or to register, please look up “Anthropology 70A” on the SRJC Web site: http://www.santarosa.edu/schedules/schedule_of_classes/.
This class, the first in a series, will focus on “archeology in practice” using a pragmatic approach that is accessible to laypersons, vocational archeologists, and those pursuing a career in the field. Basic field survey and recording techniques will be illustrated, among other pertinent topics. This opportunity, offered by the Santa Rosa Junior College, provides a valuable experience with the flexibility of a weeknight class and Saturday field trips.
The Little Black Mountain Preserve is a spectacular 500-acre property that was donated to the Land Trust following the Creighton Ridge Fire in 1979. With an elevation ranging to 1,960 feet at Little Black Mountain, this property offers expansive views of the coast, the geysers and Austin Creek Recreational area. The property contains the headwaters of St. Elmo Creek, Pole Mountain Creek and Kidd Creek, all of which eventually contribute to the Russian River.
The Little Black Mountain property is comprised of coastal oak woodland, Douglas fir forest, riparian forest, annual/perennial grasslands, mixed chaparral and small stands of coast redwood. The mosaic of vegetation, springs and perennial water, complex geology, numerous habitat types and remote location all contribute to the unique biological diversity of the Little Black Mountain Preserve.
The Sonoma Land Trust develops long-term land-protection strategies for the varied regions of the county; acquires conservation easements and properties of special significance; manages preserves; works on land stewardship and restoration projects; and provides opportunities for hikes, environmental education and restoration activities. With more than 19,000 acres of valuable resource land under permanent protection since 1976, the Sonoma Land Trust exists to ensure that the varied scenic, natural, agricultural and open landscapes of the region stay forever wild for the benefit of present and future generations. For more information, please go to: www.sonomalandtrust.org.