Workshop Details
Dates: July 15th and July 16th
Location: Mesa Water Education Center (MWEC), San Joaquin Marsh, UCI Preserve
Fee: Tiered Pricing from $540-$905 (Includes Lecture, Field Training, Day 1 Lunch, Refreshments & Light Snacks)
Workshop Overview
Join a two-day workshop focused on detection, behavior, and habitat interpretation of the California gnatcatcher within coastal sage scrub landscapes. This training combines structured instruction with field application, bridging foundational understanding with real-world observation and survey context. Led by practitioners actively working within coastal sage scrub systems and listed species environments.
Day 1 - Morning Survey, Lecture & Applied Training
Focused instruction designed to prepare participants for field conditions and species detection.
Topics include:
California gnatcatcher ecology and behavior
Vocalizations and detection cues
Coastal sage scrub habitat structure and dynamics
Survey awareness and regulatory context
Field methodology and observation strategy
This session establishes the framework needed to interpret what you will encounter in the field.
Day 2 - Field Training
Hands-on application within active coastal sage scrub habitat.
Participants will:
Practice visual and auditory detection techniques
Interpret habitat quality and structure in real time
Observe movement patterns and behavioral cues
Apply survey awareness in field conditions
Engage in guided discussion based on real observations
The emphasis is on pattern recognition, positioning, and learning how to work within the system—not just identify it.
What You’ll Learn
How to detect California gnatcatcher in field conditions
How habitat structure influences presence and behavior
How to interpret subtle movement and vocal patterns
How this species fits into consulting, agency, and conservation work
How to approach surveys with awareness and intent
Throughout the workshop, attendees will gain practical, resume-building field experience while networking with professionals actively working in wildlife conservation and environmental compliance.
Permitted Biologist Instructors: Barry Nerhus and Karly Moore
Itinerary is subject to change as workshop dates get closer. All attendees will receive updated details before the start of their 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 - $540
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 - $670
For agency staff and nonprofit professionals using this training as part of their ongoing work in conservation, resource management, and regulatory environments.
Professional / Consultant - $825
For environmental consultants and private-sector biologists applying this training directly to project work, species assessments, and regulatory compliance.
Late Registration - $905
Regular registration and payment must be completed by July 8.
Registrations and/or payments submitted after the July 8 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 July 12.
All registrations include full participation in both lecture and field training.
Important Information
Schedule
Day 0: Introduction Virtual Meeting
Day 1: Early Morning Survey, Lecture & Applied Training
Day 2: Field Training (Outdoor, Active Habitat)
Detailed schedule and logistics will be provided 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 NoteDay 1 and 2 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
Develop the ability to detect, interpret, and work within California gnatcatcher habitat through direct experience.
FAQ
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for biologists, environmental consultants, agency staff, students, and anyone looking to gain hands-on experience with the California Gnatcatcher.
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 July 8th. The late registration deadline is July 12th. 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 cmontoya@cambriate.com.
Is there a waitlist for workshops that fill up?
Yes, if a date is filled, please email cmontoya@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?
Please contact cmontoya@cambriate.com for questions regarding refunds.