Big Sur / Fernwood - Naturalists at Large

Naturalists at Large Outdoor Education Big Sur

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 or
Wilderness Advanced First Aid.
RESPONSE TIMES: for Emergency Services
HOSPITALS: Community Hospital of the Monterey Penninsula
 
Big Sur Health Center MEDIVAC HELICOPTER
Response times vary 30 minutes to 2 hours.
 
RESPONSE TIMES:
Ambulance: Located in Big Sur 5 minutes
Law Enforcement: State Park Rangers response time 5
minutes.

17. Fernwood Campground – Big Sur
lies 150 miles south of San
Francisco along Highway 1. The Big
Sur coastline is recognized for its
rugged mountains and cliffs which
overlook coastal rock formations,
waterfalls, clear streams, coast
redwood groves, and great
biological diversity.

19. What hides in the Mist?

22. The park stretches from the Big Sur
coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. It
features redwood, tan oak, madrone,
chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that
drops from granite cliffs into the ocean
from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view
of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline
is available from the higher elevations along
the trails east of Highway 1.

29. 4 person tent with 2-3 students per tent

31. Everybody
get’s to
help with
camp
chores

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

33. 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.
•Check the FAQ page on our website for more
information on steps for insuring your student is well
taken care of regarding food needs.

37. Educational Themes can include:
The Big Sur; A Sense of Place
Geology of the Coastal Mountains
Birds of the Big Sur
Tree identification
Plants and Animals
The Coastal Redwood Forest
Weather and Fog
Plant and Animal Adaptations
Pioneer History

40. We wish to explore the importance of national
and state parks to our culture and the
individual through group discussions and journal
exercises. This shared group experience will
foster school spirit and increase group unity.

42. The program of hiking and group activities
will emphasize each student's responsibility
to the environment and emphasizing the
unique natural history of the region.

43. In every walk
with nature we
receive far more
than we seek

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

45. Creativity
Relaxation & Stretching
Fun Games

47. Evening Programs
Naturalists at Large will use the evening as an
alternative activity/learning time for students.
Each evening will have a different focus.
Astronomy: constellations, motion of stars and
planets, stellar evolution, stories and myths.
Evening hikes to foster confidence with no
artificial light. We also cover nocturnal
adaptations of animals.
Traditional campfire: songs, stories and skits
performed by the students and Naturalists at
Large staff.

51. SAMPLE SCHEDULE
7:30 Breakfast prep/clean up
7:45 Breakfast
8:15 Prepare for walks & pick up trail lunches.
Shuttle to Andrew Molera State park.
Groups on trail will spend the day hiking,
learning natural history, and doing team
building activities
5:00 Free Time (supervised by faculty)
5:30 Dinner prep/clean up
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Evening program: Astronomy
9:00 Students released to faculty
9:30 In tents
10:00 Lights out and quiet

52. A great adventure for
the group…
And the
individual.

53. Let children walk with Nature,
let them see the beautiful
blendings and communions of
death and life, their joyous
inseparable unity, as taught in
woods and meadows, plains and
mountains and streams of our
blessed star. …Muir

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

58. 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.

59. 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.

60. Plastic bag protection. A half dozen, 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.

61. For more information
check us out at …