Monarchs & Marine Mammals
2026-01-17 07:30 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Each winter, the California coast becomes a gathering place.Western monarch butterflies cluster in sheltered groves, sea otters raft together in calm bays, and elephant seals return to sandy beaches to raise their pups.
On this one-day trip, we’ll visit three sites:• A western monarch overwintering grove• Morro Bay’s resident sea otters• San Simeon’s elephant seal colony
We’ll explore why these places matter—how western monarchs overwinter in coastal trees, how sea otters sustain healthy kelp forests, and how protected beaches have helped elephant seals return from near extinction.
Expect easy walking, frequent stops, and plenty of time for observing wildlife and asking questions. Led by Teranga Wildlife naturalists.
Bring: binoculars, camera, layers, lunch, snacks, waterIncludes: ~12 hours of guided naturalist interpretation + field kit with native milkweed seeds and resources.
Join us for a winter day on the coast, and bring your sense of wonder.
Monarchs & Marine MammalsJanuary 17, 2026 • 7:30 AM–5:00 PMLas Posas Park & Ride departureCaravan-style field trip
$60/adult
$30/child age 8-12
Tickets Here
Safety & RespectWe’ll be observing wildlife from safe distances following state and federal viewing guidelines. Please stay with the group, follow your naturalists’ instructions, and help us protect sensitive habitats by staying on marked paths. Weather at the coast can change quickly—bring layers and be prepared for wind and cool temperatures.
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 explanation of why you’d like to attend and your need for financial assistance.
Ages 8+

Wildlands & Waters, Ecology at the Edge: Desert & Salton Sea Field Trip (Naturalist Opportunity)
2026-02-07 - 2026-02-11 | Anza Borrego Desert Research Center, 401 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Feb. 7-11, 2026
This immersive, field-based California Naturalist course is offered with an optional certification pathway. Join us as we explore life at the ecological edges of California’s desert and water systems. Based at the Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, we’ll study Colorado Desert ecology, geology, biodiversity, and climate change through daily field experiences, journaling, interpretation practice, and participatory science.
From our desert basecamp, we’ll take a full-day field excursion to the Salton Sea and Imperial Valley to witness one of California’s most complex and compelling landscapes: a terminal lake shaped by water policy, agriculture, wildlife migration, and human creativity. Sunrise birding at Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge, burrowing owl observations, and time at Bombay Beach and Salvation Mountain will deepen our understanding of how natural and cultural systems intersect at the margins.
This course is part of Teranga Ranch Wildlife’s Wildlands & Waters series and fulfills the requirements for UC California Naturalist certification (with the addition of 3 online sessions).
Expect early mornings, long but rewarding field days, shared meals, thoughtful conversations, and unforgettable learning.
Course Highlights

Burrowing Owl Safari: Observe owls living along agricultural edges in the Imperial Valley
Sunrise birding at Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge on the Pacific Flyway
Salton Sea exploration: Shoreline ecology, hydrology, dust, and environmental change
Art & ecology at Bombay Beach, Salvation Mountain, and East Jesus
Naturalist skills: Nature journaling, interpretation, and observation practice
Participatory science: Contribute observations to iNaturalist and eBird
Desert nights: Stargazing and nocturnal ecology (weather permitting)
Community & connection: Shared meals, capstone projects, and reflection
Stay at a UC field station: Lodging and classroom time at the Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center

Participation Options
This program is offered with two participation options.
All participants take part in the same field experiences, lodging, meals, and instruction.
Option 1: California Naturalist Certification Track
Participants who choose certification will:

Receive official UC California Naturalist certification
Complete required coursework, participatory science observations, and a stewardship project
Pay the additional $160 UC California Naturalist certification fee (set by UC ANR)

This option is ideal for participants who want formal certification, volunteer tracking through UC ANR, and long-term engagement as a California Naturalist.
Option 2: Field Experience–Only Track
Participants may also join the course without pursuing certification.
Field Experience–Only participants:

Participate fully in all field activities, excursions, lodging, meals, and instruction
Are not required to complete certification paperwork, online surveys, or the UC stewardship project
Do not pay the additional $160 UC certification fee

This option is ideal for participants who want a deep, immersive learning experience but do not need formal certification.
Important Notes:

Both participation options share the same daily schedule and field experiences. The difference is limited to certification requirements and UC ANR administrative fees.
The UC California Naturalist certification fee ($160) applies only to participants pursuing certification and is paid separately from the course fee.
This is a 5 day field trip- Eventbrite doesn’t have an option to reflect this- we’re sorry about that!
California Naturalist Certification ALSO involves 3 online sessions: February 4, 17th and 19th from 7pm -8:30pm

$650 with CalNat Certification
$490 for Field Experience only
Costs include food/lodging.
Tickets Here

Birds, Bees & Butterflies: The Secret Lives of Pollinators
2026-02-12 13:00 - 16:00 | SMC- Malibu Campus, 23555 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA, 90265, United States
Learn about birds, bees, butterflies, moths, bats, beetles and how pesticide use and climate change affect these small but mighty creatures. Discover which native plants work best for attracting and supporting pollinators, and how to support these pollinators in your own space.
You will enjoy a festive reception designed to celebrate Valentine’s Day with delicious mocktails, Valentine-themed dessert bites, and photo opportunities! In addition, you will receive a blossom kit with a small plant to grow as a keepsake.
More info: commed.smc.edu
Email: commed@smc.edu
SMC- Malibu Campus 23555 Civic Center Way
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2026 1pm-4pm

California Wildlands & Waters: Redwoods Field Course (Naturalist Opportunity)
2026-04-16 - 2026-04-21 | CA
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 MeadowBegin 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 EcologyExperience 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 ParkTravel 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 ReserveSpend 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 FaultConclude 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 16–21Group size: LimitedAudience: Adults and older youthNo 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.
