This document provides information about Naturalists at Large, an organization that offers outdoor education programs. They work with over 200 California schools to provide field trips to natural areas across the state. Their programs are led by trained instructors and are tailored for different grade levels. They offer multi-day trips with activities like hiking, ropes courses, camping, and astronomy lessons. One location featured is Skylark Ranch, which has facilities for these programs among the redwoods. Safety of students is a top priority.

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 Wilderness
First Aid Certified. 80 % of them hold
advanced certifications such as Wilderness
Emergency Medical Training, Wilderness First
Responders and Wilderness Advanced First
Aid.
Emergency Services
Hospital: 55-60 minutes
Urgent Care: 55-60 minutes (in Santa Cruz)

14. Join us at...

15. Skylark
Ranch
(located
just south
of
Pescadero)

16. The camp features a dynamic
ropes course, low ropes challenge
course, playing fields, hiking
trails, and camping
accommodations. A variety of
programs can be put together
using these elements. Students
can do the ropes course in
addition to outdoor and
environmental education.

17. Miles of
great
hiking
trails

18. Take a close up view of the
Skylark Ranch Experience,
which can be provided by
Naturalists at Large for you
and your students.

20. Skylark Ranch is a great
location for team building,
science exploration, and hiking
the surrounding trails. Our
facility presents a unique
opportunity for the
development of class unity
through challenging activity.

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

22. 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.

23. There are some
choices in
lodging at
Skylark Ranch.

24. majestic redwoods.
You will walk, play and
learn among…

25. Small Groups of 10-14 students and 2 adults

26. Group Challenges

27. Problem
Solving

28. The Naturalists at Large
ropes program is designed
to introduce all students
to this exciting activity.
Students learn to work
together and cooperate
towards a common goal.
Ropes instruction is
complemented by
challenge and initiative
games that will foster
greater group interaction.

29. The high-ropes course at Skylark consists of a
Burma Bridge, a Catwalk, a Multi-Vine
Traverse, a Trapeze Leap, a Giant's Ladder,
and Islands in the Sky.

30. Lessons learned include
trust in fellow students,
increased ability to
focus, and development
of self-esteem. The few
climbing skills acquired
by the students focus
on a safe and successful
experience. The
organization of ground
school preparation and
ropes sites are designed
with this philosophy in
mind.

32. Study of human impact on old-growth
and second-growth redwoods
Introduction to environmental
science concepts
Natural history and ecology
Natural History
Hikes

33. This is accomplished by
introducing them to the
natural and cultural history of
the surrounding area while
they explore the trails and
study the various habitats.
Students will discover the
unique natural and human history
of the area, develop group
cooperation through shared
experiences, enhance leadership
abilities, and learn basic outdoor
skills. Naturalists at Large
programs are designed to give
the students a "sense of place".

34. Plant Identification
Interview
a Tree

35. Wildlife
Observation

36. Recreation
Areas

37. Students are constantly
encouraged to solve problems
posed by the Naturalists at
Large instructors. These
often include both intellectual
challenges and physical
challenges (i.e. initiative
activities). Each trail group is
with a Naturalists at Large
naturalist-instructor, and a
faculty or parent chaperon
each day for the entire
program.

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

39. Creativity
Relaxation & Stretching
Fun Games

40. Visit
Ano
Nuevo

41. And after the sunset,
there’s still things to do…

42. Campfire

43. Night
Walk

44. Star studies and
the night sky

45. (Day one)
11:00 Arrive at Ano Nuevo
12:30 Lunch on Beach
Hike & Explore
2:30 Arrive at Skylark Ranch
Hike into Camp
4:30 Move In
5:00 Free Time
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Evening Program: Astronomy
9:00 Students released to faculty

46. (Day two)
7:30 Breakfast
8:30 Meet with Naturalists and
head out on Trail
•High Ropes
•Low Ropes
•Hiking
4:30 Return to camp
5:00 Free Time
7:30 Evening Program: Campfire
9:00 Students released to
faculty

47. (Day three)
7:30 Breakfast
8:30 Move out
9:30 Finish High and Low
Ropes Course
12:30 Lunch
2:00 Departure

48. DISCOVER IT !DISCOVER IT !

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

51. 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.

52. 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).

53. 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.

54. For more information
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