EarthRise is a beautiful natural setting -- and signage is limited. You may want to print this page and the Campus Map -- even if you rely on your GPS, as many systems don't include directions beyond the gate, which is quite a stretch from the main campus. (Sorry, the map on their website can't be copied here.) Also, please read carefully the material in the tab "EarthRise Guest Info".
Directions to IONS EarthRise:
Take 101 to Exit 467, San Antonio Rd/Silveira Ranch Rd. This is between Novato and Petaluma.At the exit: Northbound: turn left, over the freeway, then right onto San Antonio Rd. Southbound: turn right off the exit, then immediate right again to San Antonio Rd.
Take this road north for about 1.5 miles. It is next to the southbound freeway lanes. Watch for a brown sign for the EarthRise entrance to the left and turn there. (Last year San Antonio Road was closed with a gate at that point and you had to turn, because the road was being used by equipment in the big 101 construction project. Now the road is newly paved and no longer closed there. If you come to a point further ahead where the road is closed next to 101, turn around.)
You will immediately come to the IONS property gate (which is open until evening; if it is closed use the entrance code **** to get in)(we'll update the code later); pass through and continue on up a long steep hill to the campus.
Directions when you arrive on campus: For Day Attendees:
At the top of the hill there is a traffic island in a T intersection. Go right. There will be a long strip of parking area along the right. This is where you park.During meal times, you will either walk back along this street, past the traffic island, and into the main campus, where the dining area is to the right (see map linked to above). The official meal times (when the food is still available) are 8-9, 12:30-1:30, and 6-7. Many people will be lingering in the area after the meal is over. Even if you didn't sign up for the meal, come join us for the conversation!
Otherwise, you would go to the West Room, our meeting area, by walking ahead past the parking area to the first road going right, down a steep hill, to the cluster of dorms and the West Room.
Directions when you arrive on campus: For those Staying On Campus:
At the top of the hill there is a traffic island in a T intersection. Go right, past the visitors parking area described above, until you come to a road going to the right down a steep hill to the cluster of dorms and the West Room. Take this road to the bottom. The dorm and West Room meeting area there has only a few parking spots. They are designated for handicapped and emergency use with a couple of spots for temporary dropping off and picking up of people and baggage. You can drive there and drop stuff off in your room, but you need to then take your vehicle out to the main overnight parking area and leave it there until you depart. To get to the main parking area, go back up the steep hill and turn right. There is a loop which includes the overnight parking area.If you arrive during a meal, you can park in the visitor parking area, walk back straight into the campus, where the dining hall is on the right, then afterwards drive down to the West Room/dorms area and proceed as described above. Be sure to take your vehicle out to the overnight parking area even if you're late to a session. The official meal times (when the food is still available) are 8-9, 12:30-1:30, and 6-7. Many people will be lingering in the area after the meal is over. Even if you didn't sign up for the meal, come join us for the conversation!
For Everyone: Registration Packets:
Your registration package (including your name badge) will be in the West Room except during the official meal times (8-9, 12:30-1:30, and 6-7) when it will be in the dining room. If you arrive shortly after the meal is officially over (no more food), feel free to come to the dining room anyway and join the lingering conversations.Please be sure to wear your name tag throughout the event. Most of us don't know most of the other attendees, and we also want to be able to distinguish our people from other groups using the facility. Thanks for being attentive to this!
More Logistics for Everyone:
There is a direct trail through the woods from near the dorm area to across the street from the dining hall. It’s a very pleasant walk, 5-7 minutes. Most people use the trail and see the walk as a welcome break from sitting all day in meetings and meals. After dark on the trail you will need a flashlight! You can also walk on the road, which is well lit. The road has 10-20% more hill and slightly more distance but it is easier walking.For people who are physically unable to do this walk, there are a couple of options. First, EarthRise will issue temporary handicapped passes if you (or someone for you) asks at the office. With this pass you can freely park both in the dorm/West Room area handicapped spaces and in the center of campus near the dining area. Second, if there is enough need, we will explore finding a way to use one or more vans to shuttle the people who can’t do the hike back and forth to meals. From what we hear from management, most groups are able to get by with just the handicapped passes, sometimes shuttling several people in one vehicle. If you think you will need transport up the hill, please let us know in advance.
