Our education programs for over two hundred of California's public and independent schools have introduced thousands of students to environments as diverse as the…

Who do weserve ?

Pygmy Forest of Sonoma

Giant Forest of Sequoia

Sonoran Desert

Colorado River

CatalinaIsland

What does

Naturalists at Large

do ?

We work with each school every step of the way to identify their outdoor education goals and then tailor a program to meet those specific needs.

Trail Group sizes of 9 to 14 studentsAlways with one instructor and one adult from your school

Naturalists at Large provides a complete outdoor curriculum for primary through

high school level students. We can

accommodate trips for 15 students to

over 200.

Naturalists at Large draws it’s instructors from all over the United States. These are men and women with 4-year university degrees who have proven experience working with youth in the outdoors and in the classroom.

With their high comfort and experience in the outdoors, their passion for teaching, and a commitment to safety first, we have the foundation for a fantastic experience for you and your students.

All of our instructors are CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certified. 80 % of them hold advanced certifications such as Wilderness Emergency Medical Training, Wilderness First Responders and Wilderness Advanced First Aid.

Emergency Services

Hospital: 55-60 minutesUrgent Care: 55-60 minutes (in Santa Cruz)

Join us at...

Skylark Ranch

(located just south

of Pescadero)

The camp features a dynamic ropes course, low ropes challenge course, playing fields, hiking trails, and camping accommodations. A variety of programs can be put together using these elements. Students can do the ropes course in addition to outdoor and environmental education.

Miles of great hiking trails

Take a close up view of the Skylark Ranch Experience, which can be provided by Naturalists at Large for you and your students.

Skylark Ranch is a great location for team building, science exploration, and hiking the surrounding trails. Our facility presents a unique opportunity for the development of class unity through challenging activity.

Meals are wholesome

affairs providing the nutrition needed for

active participants

There’s a variety of menu options from which to choose

Allergies and Special Food Needs

Program meals offer vegetarian food options.

For those with specific needs due to allergies or personal reasons, we suggest discussion with your faculty.

Naturalists at Large can help guide those with special diets to supplement their meals in ways which everyone can most easily manage.

There are some choices in lodging at

Skylark Ranch.

majestic redwoods.

You will walk, play and learn among…

Small Groups of 10-14 students and 2 adults

Group Challenges

Problem Solving

The Naturalists at Large ropes program is designed to introduce all students to this exciting activity. Students learn to work together and cooperate towards a common goal. Ropes instruction is complemented by challenge and initiative games that will foster greater group interaction.

The high-ropes course at Skylark consists of a Burma Bridge, a Catwalk, a Multi-Vine Traverse, a Trapeze Leap, a Giant's Ladder, and Islands in the Sky.

Lessons learned include trust in fellow students, increased ability to focus, and development of self-esteem. The few climbing skills acquired by the students focus on a safe and successful experience. The organization of ground school preparation and ropes sites are designed with this philosophy in mind.

Study of human impact on old-growth and second-growth redwoodsIntroduction to environmental science conceptsNatural history and ecology

Natural History Hikes

This is accomplished by introducing them to the natural and cultural history of the surrounding area while they explore the trails and study the various habitats.

Students will discover the unique natural and human history of the area, develop group cooperation through shared experiences, enhance leadership abilities, and learn basic outdoor skills. Naturalists at Large programs are designed to give the students a "sense of place".

Plant Identification

Interview

a Tree

Wildlife

Observation

Recreation Areas

Students are constantly encouraged to solve problems posed by the Naturalists at Large instructors. These often include both intellectual challenges and physical challenges (i.e. initiative activities). Each trail group is with a Naturalists at Large naturalist-instructor, and a faculty or parent chaperon each day for the entire program.

And a few other optional activities…

Journal & ReflectiveActivity

Map & CompassOrienteering

Animal Tracking

Creativity

Relaxation & Stretching

Fun Games

Visit Ano Nuevo

And after the sunset,

there’s still things to do…

Campfire

Night

Walk

Star studies and the night sky

(Day one)11:00 Arrive at Ano Nuevo12:30 Lunch on Beach

Hike & Explore2:30 Arrive at Skylark Ranch

Hike into Camp4:30 Move In5:00 Free Time 6:00Dinner 7:30Evening Program: Astronomy9:00Students released to faculty

(Day two)7:30Breakfast 8:30 Meet with Naturalists and head out on Trail•High Ropes•Low Ropes•Hiking4:30Return to camp 5:00 Free Time7:30Evening Program: Campfire9:00Students released to faculty

(Day three)7:30Breakfast 8:30 Move out9:30 Finish High and Low Ropes Course

12:30 Lunch

2:00 Departure

DISCOVER IT !DISCOVER IT !

Ask about…

Allergies, Medications, and Special Dietary

Needs

Equipment Reminders

Follow your equipment list.

Pack together. Adult and student can double check the contents of the gear bag.

All clothing should fit in a medium size duffle.

A day pack is essential to move about the program with water, some food, extra layers of clothing, and personal incidentals.

Rain gear is a must. (water-proof shell) Rain Ponchos are fine.

Comfortable closed toed shoes are required. Light weight hikers or tennis shoes with a few pairs of good outdoor socks (non-cotton).

A good water bottle (quart or liter).

The proper sleeping bag (check your equipment list for specifics).

Plastic bag protection. A half dozen, 1 or 2 gallon storage ziplocks are good for protecting clothing in a gear bag from moisture. Along with a couple hefty 15 to 30 gallon bags to line your gear bag and sleeping bag (& daypack).

Don’t send gear that you could not afford lost or broken (expensive cameras, cell phones, and other electronics). A handy disposable camera would be just fine.

Follow your equipment list, ask questions, borrow from friends.

For more information

check us out at …