Welcome to the California Wildlands & Waters Field Trip!

Explore the Majestic Landscapes and Unique Ecosystems of Coastal and Northern California

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Teranga Wildlife through California’s diverse landscapes, from the towering redwoods to the dynamic coastline, as we explore the intricate connections between land, water, and wildlife. This immersive tour offers an in-depth look at the natural history, ecology, and cultural significance of some of the state’s most stunning locations.
This is a relaxed and easy driving trip. We’ve carefully scouted the routes to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for all drivers.

Highlights of the Tour:

Muir Woods & Nicasio Valley
Wander among ancient coast redwoods in Muir Woods, where towering giants create a lush, cathedral-like canopy. Learn about redwood forest ecology and the role of watersheds in sustaining these iconic trees. Then, journey with us through the rolling hills of Nicasio Valley, a picturesque landscape rich in California history and ranching heritage. Enjoy a stop at Nicasio Valley Cheese Co. and Marin French Cheese Company, where you can sample artisanal cheeses crafted with care.
Point Reyes & San Andreas Fault
Discover the dramatic landscapes of Point Reyes, a coastal wonder shaped by the forces of plate tectonics. Visit Abbott’s Lagoon & Drake’s Beach, where dramatic sand dunes meet the ocean. Observe the unique coastal landscape shaped by wind and waves and look for Tule elk, a subspecies of elk native to California that roams the open grasslands and coastal scrub.
Explore the fault lines of the San Andreas Fault, where the Pacific and North American plates meet, influencing the region’s unique topography and seismic activity.
Russian River & Eel River
Compare and contrast two of Northern California’s most significant river systems. The Russian River, with its lush vineyards and human-altered waterways, presents a stark contrast to the wilder, free-flowing Eel River. Learn about their watersheds, conservation efforts, and their importance to local wildlife, including salmon and steelhead trout.
Avenue of the Giants & Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Step into an ancient world as you traverse the famous Avenue of the Giants. Marvel at the towering coast redwoods in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, some of the tallest trees on Earth. Understand the ecological importance of these forests and the ongoing efforts to protect them from deforestation.
Elk Meadow & Prairie Creek Redwoods
Encounter majestic Roosevelt elk in their natural habitat at Elk Meadow and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Learn about the history of tule and Roosevelt elk populations, their conservation status, and their role in the coastal ecosystem.
Humboldt Lagoons & Sue Meg State Park (Agate Beach)
Explore the unique coastal lagoons of Humboldt County, where freshwater meets the salty Pacific. Visit Sue Meg State Park’s Agate Beach, a rugged shoreline rich with colorful stones and teeming with marine life, including sea stars, sea urchins and other intertidal creatures.
Slow Coast & Santa Cruz
Drive along the Slow Coast, a breathtaking stretch between San Francisco and Santa Cruz known for its scenic cliffs, marine reserves, and sustainable agriculture. Explore Santa Cruz’s dynamic coastline, where Monterey cypress stands resilient against ocean winds. Learn about dunes, marshes, and sloughs, and their role in supporting a variety of bird species.

Wildlife & Ecology Explorations:

• Lagoons & Wetlands: The role of coastal lagoons, sloughs, and marshes in supporting biodiversity
• Rivers & Watersheds: The hydrology of the Eel and Russian Rivers and their impact on local ecosystems
• Forestry & Conservation: The balance between sustainable forestry and redwood preservation
• Elk Ecology: The differences between Tule and Roosevelt elk and their habitat conservation
• Marine Life: The importance of sea urchins and intertidal species to ocean health
• Banana Slugs & Coastal Rainforests: The fascinating life cycle of banana slugs and their importance in the forest ecosystem
• Dunes & Coastal Erosion: How sand dunes and native plants protect shorelines from climate change

Culinary Experiences:
Trattore Farms – A Sustainable Wine & Olive Oil Experience (included)
Nestled in the rolling hills of Geyserville, Trattore Farms offers an unforgettable wine and olive oil tasting experience. Learn about their commitment to sustainable agriculture while sampling handcrafted wines and estate-milled olive oils. This stop highlights the connection between land, water, and agriculture in the Russian River watershed, providing a delicious and educational break along our journey.
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company
Besides Nicasio Reserve, this farm produces a variety of cheeses, such as their Truffle Toma (a Toma-style cheese infused with black truffles) and Ricotta. They focus on sustainable, humane farming practices and produce high-quality cheeses from their own dairy cows.
Marin French Cheese
One of the oldest cheese producers in California, Marin French Cheese (also known as the “Cheese Factory”) is located in the Nicasio Valley. Their cheeses are crafted using traditional methods, with options like their famous Brie-style cheese, as well as aged cheddar and goat cheeses.

Trip Details: October 16-21

This is a relaxed, easygoing driving trip with minimal daily driving to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all participants.
We’ll depart the morning of October 16th and return to Southern California by the evening of October 21st, making it a 6-day trip, including travel time.

Pricing:

• $250 per vehicle (includes one participant)
• $150 per additional participant
• $100 for kids ages 8-15

Included:

• Guided tour services
• Welcome dinner
• Wine & olive oil tasting experience (21+), with an olive oil-only option for non-drinkers

Not Included:

• Gas and lodging (lodging recommendations available)

Age Requirement: 8+

No Pets:
For the comfort and safety of all participants, we kindly ask that you leave pets at home.

Please note that Teranga Ranch is a non-profit organization, and all program fees directly support current and future educational initiatives..

Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for those experiencing financial hardship. To apply, please email info@terangaranch.org with a brief (two to three paragraphs) explanation of why you’d like to attend and your need for financial assistance.