Workshop Details
Dates: September 17th
Location: San Diego, Exact Location Details To Be Announced
Fee: Tiered Pricing from $645 -$1,045 (Includes Lecture, Field Training, Lunch, Refreshments & Light Snacks)
Workshop Overview
Cambriate’s Burrowing Owl Workshop provides participants with applied training in burrowing owl ecology, habitat use, burrow identification, field observation, and conservation considerations.
Designed for biologists, environmental consultants, agency professionals, nonprofit staff, students, and early-career wildlife specialists, this one-day workshop combines classroom instruction with field-based learning led by experienced wildlife professionals and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance staff.
The workshop will begin with a morning lecture focused on:
Burrowing owl natural history and behavior
Habitat use and burrow characteristics
Natural burrows, occupied burrows, and constructed burrow systems
Field identification and observation techniques
Survey awareness and applied field considerations
Conservation, management, and regulatory context
Participants will then travel by shuttle to field sites to observe burrowing owl habitat and burrow systems in real time. The field portion may include opportunities to view:
Natural burrow systems
Constructed burrow examples
Burrowing owl habitat features
Field signs and site conditions
Burrowing owls, if present and conditions allow
Following the field portion, participants will return to the workshop venue for lunch and afternoon lecture sessions. The workshop will conclude with closing remarks and participant certificates.
Throughout the workshop, attendees will gain practical, resume-building field experience while connecting classroom concepts to real-world habitat interpretation, burrow assessment, and conservation work.
Participating San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Staff: Susanne Marczak and Colleen Wisinski
Itinerary is subject to change as workshop details are finalized. All attendees will receive updated logistics before the start of the workshop.
Payment and Registration Options
*Space is limited to maintain a high-quality learning environment. Please select the registration tier that best reflects your current role.
We offer tiered registration based on your current role and how you will apply the training. All participants receive the same instruction and experience.
Early Career - $645
For students, recent graduates, and early-career field technicians, building foundational skills in species detection, habitat interpretation, and field awareness.
Please select this option if you are in the early stages of your career and not currently billing professional consulting services.
Government / NGO - $845
For agency staff and nonprofit professionals using this training as part of their ongoing work in conservation, resource management, and regulatory environments.
Professional / Consultant - $1,045
For environmental consultants and private-sector biologists applying this training directly to project work, species assessments, and regulatory compliance.
Late Registration - $1,150
Regular registration and payment must be completed by September 3rd.
Registrations and/or payments submitted after the September 3rd deadline will be subject to the late registration rate, pending workshop availability. Late registration will remain open until one week before the workshop, with all late registrations and payments due by September 10th.
All registrations include full participation in both lecture and field training.
Booking your event with us helps support the work of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit organization and leader committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care, conservation, and science!
Important Information
Tentative Schedule
Morning — Registration & Light Breakfast
Attendees will check in, enjoy a light breakfast and refreshments, and prepare for the day’s training.
Morning Lecture
Classroom instruction will introduce burrowing owl ecology, habitat use, burrow systems, field identification, survey awareness, and conservation context.
Field Site Travel & Training
Participants will shuttle to nearby field sites for applied field observation and discussion of natural burrows, constructed burrows, habitat features, and site conditions.
Midday — Lunch
Participants will return to the workshop venue for lunch.
Afternoon Lecture & Discussion
The workshop will continue with additional instruction, applied discussion, and conservation/management considerations.
Closing Remarks & Certificates
The workshop will conclude with closing remarks and participant certificates.
The schedule is subject to change. Final logistics will be provided to registered attendees prior to the workshop.
What to Bring
Field-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
Sturdy footwear
Water and personal food/snacks
Binoculars (recommended)
Notebook or field journal
Please Note
Workshop involves walking in uneven terrain within active habitat
Weather conditions may vary, prepare accordingly
Wildlife observations are not guaranteed; training focuses on detection skill and habitat interpretation regardless of conditions
FAQ
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for biologists, environmental consultants, agency staff, students, and anyone looking to gain field and practical experience with the Burrowing Owls.
Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is required, but a basic understanding of fieldwork and biological concepts is helpful.
Is there a registration deadline?
Registration and regular payment deadline is September 3rd. The late registration deadline is September 10th. We recommend signing up early, as space is limited. If the workshop is filled but you would like to be put on a waitlist, please contact info@cambriate.com.
Do you offer payment plans?
We offer payment plans with 50% deposit due up front and the remaining balance due 5 days before the date of the workshop.
Is there a waitlist for workshops that fill up?
Yes, if a date is filled, please email info@cambriate.com to express your interest in being added to the waitlist. If spots open up, the first person on the waitlist will have 48 hours to accept the registration, up to four days before the event; after that, participants will have 24 hours.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes, please see the details below regarding our Refund policy:
30+ days before workshop: Full refund minus a $50 administrative fee.
14–29 days: 50% refund or 100% credit toward a future workshop.
Less than 14 days: No refund; 100% credit toward a future workshop.
Less than 72 hours or no-show: No refund.
Registration substitutions: Participants may send another qualified attendee in their place at no additional cost if Cambriate is notified before the workshop begins.
If Cambriate cancels the workshop: Full refund or the option to transfer to another workshop will be offered.
Contact & Socials
Contact Info: Please contact info@cambriate.com for questions.
Check Out Our Socials For Updates and Upcoming Workshops!