This document provides information about the Naturalists at Large program, which offers outdoor education programs in California. It discusses the diverse natural areas they serve, including forests, deserts, and coastal regions. It outlines the curriculum and activities they provide for primary through high school students, including hikes, nature identification, and lessons in ecology. It also details the logistics of a sample trip, including meals, accommodations, safety protocols, and a daily schedule of educational and recreational activities.

2. 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 we
serve ?

3. Pygmy Forest of Sonoma
Giant Forest of Sequoia
Sonoran Desert
Colorado River
Catalina
Island

4. What does
Naturalists at Large
do ?

6. 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.

7. Trail Group sizes of 9 to 14 students
Always with one
instructor and
one adult from
your school

8. 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.

10. 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.

12. 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.

13. All of our instructors are CPR and First Aid
Certified. 80 % of them hold advanced
certifications such as Wilderness Emergency
Medical Training, Wilderness First Responders
and Wilderness Advanced First Aid.
RESPONSE TIMES: for Emergency Services
Ambulance: 20 - 45 minutes - closest
ambulance is from Gualala, then Guerneville
Medivac Helicopter: 20 minutes from Santa
Rosa

15. Where in the world is Salt Point?Where in the world is Salt Point?

18. SALT POINT

19. Salt Point
is located on Highway
One approximately
90 miles north of San
Francisco.

20. Rocky promontories,
panoramic views, kelp-dotted
coves, and the dramatic
sounds of pounding surf; open
grasslands, forested hills,
pristine prairies, and pygmy
forests- you can experience
all of these coastal wonders
within the park.

21. WELCOME !

23. Everyone off the bus!

27. Bathrooms

29. Everybody
get’s to
help with
camp
chores

30. Meals are
wholesome
affairs providing
the nutrition
needed for active
participantsThere’s a variety of menu
options from which to choose

31. 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.

32. So what will we learn ?

33. Academic AspectAcademic Aspect
Identification of tide pool and terrestrialIdentification of tide pool and terrestrial
plants and animalsplants and animals
Learn about the three plant communitiesLearn about the three plant communities
(grassland, forest, and scrubland)(grassland, forest, and scrubland)
Study beach formation/degradationStudy beach formation/degradation
Learn Native American culture and usesLearn Native American culture and uses
of plantsof plants
Study Coastal Redwood Forest EcologyStudy Coastal Redwood Forest Ecology

34. Let’s get ready to hike…

35. Let’s see what we can find!

38. Plant Identification

41. Our
naturalists
will guide
you on
your
journey
to…

42. Gerstle Cove !

44. There’s much to discover

46. What did
you find?

47. A Seastar
and some…

48. FRIENDS !

52. A focus of most all
Naturalists at Large
programming is the
interaction of the
individual with the
group. The needs of
both must be met
through the
development of
cooperation,
leadership and
problem solving skills.

53. The facilitation of
activities, with the
emphasis on our
interaction with the
environment and
each other,
promotes awareness
of each individual’s
role in making the
group experience a
positive one.

54. And a few other optional activities…
Journal & Reflective
Activity
Map & Compass
Orienteering
Animal Tracking

55. Creativity
Relaxation & Stretching
Fun Games

57. And with the setting of the Sun…
The day is not over…

58. Night Hike

59. Star studies and
the night sky

60. CAMPFIRE

61. A great
experience
for the
individual
student…

62. The group…

63. And the Faculty !

64. A Typical Day
7:30 Breakfast
9:00 Groups A and B do journal activities,
forest ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups C
and D hike to Gerstle Cove and tide pools
12:00 Lunch by groups
1:00 Groups C and D do journal activities,
forest ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups A
and B hike to Gerstle Cove and tide pools
4:30 Return to camp for large group games
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Evening Program:
Night walk and star study
9:00 Students released to faculty

65. SALT POINTSALT POINT
Discover It !

68. Ask about…
Allergies, Medications, and
Special Dietary Needs

69. 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.
Utensil Kit that may be reused for each meal and
a cup that can handle hot & cold liquids.

70. 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).
Ground pad. Ensolite pads are much cheaper
than thermarest types and work just as well.

71. 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.

72. For more information
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