Explore Sonoma State University’s Enchanting Green SpacesExplore Sonoma State University’s Enchanting Green Spaces Sonoma State University, renowned for its picturesque campus, has unveiled a comprehensive map and guide to enhance the appreciation of its natural beauty. This tool highlights seven serene green spaces, inviting students and the public alike to immerse themselves in tranquility amidst academic pursuits. The map pinpoints Copeland Creek, a meandering waterway teeming with wildlife. Visitors can also wander through the vibrant Butterfly Garden, home to an array of fluttering pollinators. The Native Plant Garden showcases the diverse flora indigenous to the region. For moments of reflection, the Holocaust and Genocide Memorial offers a poignant tribute to those who have suffered. Picnic enthusiasts can relish in the tranquility of Lakes and Redwood Circles, while the Garden Classroom provides an idyllic setting for outdoor learning. Lastly, the Vietnam Veterans’ Grove honors the sacrifices made by those who served. “Escape the monotony of textbooks and immerse yourself in nature,” encourages Jeff Keating, SSU’s public information officer. “Reconnect with the present by connecting with the beauty that surrounds us.” The map and guide are meticulously designed to cater to diverse preferences. Printable versions in English and Spanish are available, ensuring accessibility for all. Additionally, audio meditations accompany the map, guiding visitors through a journey of mindfulness and appreciation for the campus’s natural wonders. Sonoma State University is a welcoming sanctuary, open to both students and the community. This map and guide invite all to experience the serenity and beauty that make SSU’s campus a truly special place. For more information and to explore the map and guide, visit sustainablessu.sonoma.edu/ssu-nature-connections.
Sonoma State University was named the 34th most beautiful college campus in the United States this year by The Best Colleges, an organization that rates schools in several categories.
Now, Rohnert Park University is offering students and the public a tool to admire all that beauty: a new map and guide to the campus’s “green spaces.”
The map highlights seven natural areas on the SSU campus, including Copeland Creek, a butterfly garden, a native plant garden, the Holocaust and Genocide Memorial, a picnic area called Lakes and Redwood Circles, a garden classroom and the Vietnam Veterans’ Grove.
“The next time you find yourself reading the same page twice and still not understanding what it says, put down your book or laptop and go outside,” said Jeff Keating, SSU’s public information officer. “If you have time, take a walk down to Copeland Creek or spend some time in the butterfly garden.”
The website, developed by communication studies student Lena Coonen, psychology professor Mary Gomes and SSU’s director of creative services Sandy Destiny, offers printable versions of the map in English and Spanish.
In addition, the website offers audio meditations that visitors can follow during their visit to the campus.
“We are a public space and meant to be enjoyed,” says Keating, who notes that the SSU campus is open to the public and people are encouraged to come.
The map and guide can be found at sustainablessu.sonoma.edu/ssu-nature-connections.
Amie Windsor is the Community Journalism Team Lead at The Press Democrat. She can be reached at [email protected] or 707-521-5218.
