California Wildlands & Waters Field Course

April 16–21 | Northern & Coastal California

Explore California’s redwoods, rivers, and coastline through an immersive, place-based field experience designed for curious adults and older youth.

This six-day field course with Teranga Wildlife focuses on the ecological connections between land, water, and wildlife — with extended time in the field, guided observation, and opportunities to slow down and really read the landscape.

This is a meet-on-site field course (not a caravan-style road trip). Participants arrive independently and travel together during the program.

What We’ll Explore

Prairie Creek Redwoods & Elk Meadow
Begin the journey among towering old-growth redwoods and open meadow systems. Observe Roosevelt elk, explore forest–meadow edge dynamics, and learn how seasonal changes shape wildlife behavior.

Trillium Falls & Spring Understory Ecology
Experience the redwood forest in peak spring condition — with flowing seeps, lush understory plants, and active forest-floor life.

Sue-meg State Park (Agate Beach)
Explore the dramatic North Coast shoreline where forest meets ocean. Observe seabirds, intertidal life, coastal processes, and learn about the cultural and ecological significance of this landscape.

Avenue of the Giants & Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Travel through one of the most iconic redwood corridors in the world, focusing on floodplain forests, river dynamics, and redwoods at watershed scale.

Eel River & John B. Dewitt Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Spend a full day immersed along the Eel River — one of California’s last major free-flowing rivers. This day focuses on wildlife tracking and sign, bear ecology, river processes, and reading movement and disturbance in the landscape. (River entry and aquatic observation may occur depending on conditions.)

Point Reyes & the San Andreas Fault
Conclude the trip with a lighter re-entry day in Point Reyes, exploring coastal landscapes shaped by tectonic forces and observing how geology influences ecosystems.

Learning Themes

Participants will engage with:

• Rivers & watersheds (with emphasis on the Eel River)

• Wildlife tracking & animal sign

• Forest ecology & conservation

• Elk ecology (Roosevelt elk)

• Coastal systems & intertidal life

• Lagoons, wetlands, and estuaries

• Human land use, stewardship, and conservation challenges

🌿 California Naturalist Certification (Optional)

There is an opportunity to earn California Naturalist certification with this program.

To complete certification, participants attend:

• Three online sessions (April 14, 23, and 28 | 7:00–8:30 pm)

• Complete brief homework assignments

• Participate in the full field course

Add-on cost: $160

Trip Details

Dates: April 16–21
Group size: Limited
Audience: Adults and older youth
No pets, please.

Pricing

• $515 per person

• $160 optional California Naturalist certification add-on

Includes:

• 3 nights lodging at Angelo Coast Range Reserve (UC Natural Reserve System)

• Instruction by experienced naturalists

• Guest speakers and guides

• Some meals during the Angelo portion of the trip

Not included:

• Transportation / gas

• Lodging at the beginning and end of the trip

• Meals at the beginning and end of the trip

• Snacks

Overnight Locations

• April 16: Near Trinidad / Prairie Creek area (participant-arranged)

• April 17–20: Angelo Coast Range Reserve (lodging included; shared facilities)

• April 20: Near Petaluma / Nicasio / Point Reyes (participant-arranged)

Lodging recommendations will be provided.

About Teranga Ranch

Teranga Ranch is a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife education, coexistence, and community science. Program fees directly support current and future educational initiatives.

Scholarships:
A limited number of scholarships are available. To apply, email info@terangaranch.org with a brief description of your interest and financial need.