Naturalists at Large provides outdoor education programs for K-12 schools throughout California, taking students on trips to locations like state parks and forests to learn about environmental science, team building, and outdoor skills. They draw instructors from around the country who are educated, experienced working with youth, and certified in first aid. Trips involve setting up camp, preparing meals as a group, hiking trails to study the local ecology, and evening activities like stargazing around the campfire.

1. for over Twenty Years

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… Independent Schools Charter Schools Public Schools Waldorf Schools Montessori Schools 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 ?

5. TEAM BUILDING ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE OUTDOOR SKILLS Native & Pioneer History Group Retreats

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.

9. Our Instructors

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: 5-10 minutes...ambulance dispatched from Pt. Reyes Station and normally runs to Petaluma, not Marin General. Medivac Helicopter: 10 minutes...Always goes to Petaluma. Law Enforcement: State park- minutes

14. SAMUEL P. TAYLOR STATE PARK & POINT REYES

15. Samuel P. Taylor

16. Samuel P. Taylor State Park has wooded countryside in the steep rolling hills of Marin County north of San Francisco. The park features a unique contrast of coast redwoods groves and open grassland.

18. Let's Go !

19. WELCOME

21. Members of the class will be organized into groups of twelve to fourteen students. Naturalists at Large instructors will work with their groups of students to teach basic camp skills, supervise meal preparation, conduct outdoor education hikes (primarily a mix of "walk and talks” and hands-on activities) on the Park trails.

22. SET UP YOUR TENT

24. MEAL TIME

25. Everybody get’s to help with camp chores

27. Food Meals are wholesome affairs providing the nutrition needed for active participants There’s a variety of menu options from which to choose

29. GET READY FOR...

30. TEAM BUILDING

31. 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.

32. 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.

34. Environmental Education

35. Educational themes include the grassland community, north coast forests, stream science, ecology of the redwoods, forests and humans -- a historical perspective, local geology, the stars, and environmental influences on plant species and diversity. Emphasis will be tailored to complement the academic goals of the school.

36. STREAM SCIENCE

38. Hiking and Exploring

39. The park features a variety of flowers and trees, including oak, tanoak, madrone, live oak, laurel and Douglas fir. California native wildflowers include buttercups, milkmaids, and Indian paintbrush.

40. Forest Ecology

45. OBSERVE CRITTERS

47. Destination Hikes

48. And a short shuttle drive away is the entrance to…

50. Bear Valley Visitor Center

51. Coast Miwok Village Kule Loklo The Coast Miwok people were the inhabitants of what we now call Marin and southern Sonoma Counties. They had a rich economy based on gathering, fishing and hunting. Village communities of 75 to several hundred people developed in sheltered places near fresh water and plentiful food. "Kule Loklo" (meaning "Bear Valley") is a recreated village.

52. Estero

53. COASTAL SCRUB

54. Wildlife abounds throughout the Seashore. Along the coast you may find marine mammals such as whales, seals, and sea lions. A closer look reveals an abundance of bird life feeding near the tideline. Back in the forest, you may glimpse a bobcat, coyote, raccoon, or skunk scurrying off. We also have plenty of deer and elk to be seen.

57. Destination Hikes

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

59. Creativity Relaxation & Stretching Fun Games

60. And when the sun goes down...

61. Star studies and the night sky

62. Night Hike

63. Campfire

64. A Typical Day 7:30 Breakfast 9:00 Groups A and B do journal activities, redwood ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups C and D Shuttle to Bear Valley Visitor Center 12:00 Lunch by groups 1:00 Groups C and D do journal activities, redwood ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups A and B Shuttle to Bear Valley Visitor Center 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. Outdoor Education

66. A great experience for the individual student…

67. The group…

68. And the Faculty !

69. SAMUEL P. TAYLOR STATE PARK & POINT REYES DISCOVER IT !

70. Medications, Allergies, and Special Dietary Needs

71. 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.

72. 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.

73. 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.

74. www.natsatlarge.com For more information check us out at …