Waterways, redwoods butterflies & more: SSU’s new ‘green spaces’ map aims to get people outside

Sonoma State University was named the 34th most beautiful college campus in the United States this year by The Best Colleges, an organization that ranks schools in a variety of categories.

Now, the Rohnert Park university is providing students and the public with a resource to take in all that beauty: a new campus “green spaces” map and guide.

The map highlights seven natural sites on the SSU campus, including Copeland Creek, a butterfly garden, native plant garden, the Holocaust and Genocide Memorial, a picnic area called the “Lakes and Redwood Circles,” a garden classroom, and the Vietnam Veterans’ Grove.

“Next time you’ve noticed you’ve read the same page twice and still don’t know what it says, put your book or laptop down and go outside,” the website, which hosts the map, reads.“If you have time, walk over to Copeland Creek, or spend some time in the butterfly garden.”

The website — developed by Lena Coonen, a communications studies student; psychology Professor Mary Gomes; and SSU’s Director of Creative Services Sandy Destiny — offers printable versions of the map in both English and Spanish.

Additionally, the website offers audio meditations for visitors to follow while they’re visiting campus sites.

“We are a public space and meant to be enjoyed,” says Jeff Keating, public information officer with SSU, noting that the campus is open to the public and that people are encouraged to visit.

The map and guide can be found at sustainablessu.sonoma.edu/ssu-nature-connections.

Amie Windsor is the Community Journalism Team Lead with The Press Democrat. She can be reached at amie.windsor@pressdemocrat.com or 707-521-5218.