prairie creek s.p.: naturalists at large

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 weserve ?

Pygmy Forest of Sonoma

Giant Forest of Sequoia

Sonoran Desert

Colorado River

CatalinaIsland

What does

Naturalists at Large

do ?

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.

Trail Group sizes of 9 to 14 studentsAlways with one instructor and one adult from your school

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.

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.

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: 6 minutes out of Orick. Hospital 40 miles away.Medivac Helicopter: 50 minutes out of Redding.

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.

The park is located 50 miles north of Eureka and 25 miles south of Crescent City on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway off of Highway 101

Set aside in the early 1920’s by the forethought of the people of California and the generosity of the Save-the-Redwoods League, Prairie Creek is a sanctuary of old growth coast redwood.

Prairie Creek offers hiking, nature study, wildlife viewing, beach combing, picnicking, a visitor center with exhibits and a nature store.

Elk Prairie Campground: Hot showers (require quarters) and flush toilets

4 person tent with 2-3 students per tent

Everybody get’s to help with camp chores

Meals are wholesome

affairs providing the nutrition needed for

active participants

There’s a variety of menu options from which to choose

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.

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.

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.

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.

And a few other optional activities…

Journal & ReflectiveActivity

Map & CompassOrienteering

Animal Tracking

Creativity

Relaxation & Stretching

Fun Games

Star studies and the night sky

A Typical Day7:30Breakfast 9:00Groups A and B do journal activities, redwood ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups C and D hike Fern Canyon and do stream study12:00 Lunch by groups1:00 Groups C and D do journal activities, redwood ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups A and B hike Fern Canyon and do stream study 4:30Return to camp for large group games6:00Dinner 7:30Evening Program: Night walk and star study9:00Students released to faculty

A great experience for the individual student…

The group…

And the Faculty !

Ask about…

Allergies, Medications, and Special Dietary Needs

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.

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.

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.

For more information

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