Wildlife Expedition Program

Overview:

Guided 7-week, or 15-week, expedition in the wilderness hiking 500 – 1000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Conduct wildlife surveys alongside a professional biologist across desert, chaparral, forests, and alpine environments. Investigate the health of our wildlife communities on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

Open to:

College students (across majors with an interest in wildlife science and wilderness experiences)

Current high school students (14 to 18 years old) who have completed the Explorer Program.

Location:

Along the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail in California, Oregon, and Washington

Cost: $6,280 ~ 7-week program

Cost: $7,780~ 15-week program

 

No longer accepting applications for this year.

Each expedition includes:

  • Travel from the Sacramento, CA area
  • Personal training and mentoring in wildlife science
  • In depth training in wildlife skills
  • Guided backpacking and wildlife science on the PCT
  • Custom fit backpacking equipment
  • Making new friends and having fun!

Have questions? Click here to check our FAQs.

Check back for future program application opportunities and dates.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

15-week immersive wilderness experience while studying wildlife and their habitats, guided hike of at least 500 miles of the PCT.

Participate in an actual ongoing ecological study of the biodiversity of the Pacific Crest Trail (the Pacific Crest Trail Biodiversity Megatransect, PCTBM), while working alongside a professional biologist as your team lead.

AP/college or internship credit available, 4 to 6 credits, depending on approval from your home institution.

Training on wildlife survey methods is provided, which includes:

  • Bird identification and counting methods

  • Bird mist-netting and banding techniques

  • Large mammal radio telemetry techniques

  • Small mammal trapping and survey techniques

  • Remote camera “traps”

  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques

  • Wildlife audio recording units

  • Plant identification and vegetation survey methods

  • Fish tissue sampling and fly-fishing techniques

Train in and implement the wildlife survey protocols of the PCTBM.

Additional training in the use of GPS technology, data entry technology for research, and topographical maps.

Wilderness first aid and CPR, and wilderness safety training.

Basic mountaineering and long-distance backpacking skills provided.

Backpack, shoes, sleeping bag, and trekking poles included in pricing.

  • We size you personally for this equipment.

  • You may keep the backpack, shoes, sleeping bag, and trekking poles at the end of the trip.

Earn a Certificate of Completion in Wildlife Science for the PCTBM.

Have Questions? Check out our FAQ page.

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