10-Day Wildlife Explorer Program
no longer accepting applications for 2026
Overview:
Live in the wilderness and hike the trail while working alongside professional wildlife biologists in their research. Investigate the health of our wildlife communities on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Learn how to conduct surveys for birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.
Two Targeted, and Separate, Programs For:
- High School Students
- College Students
Location:
- Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park
- including summiting Mt. Whitney
Cost: $3,680
Do you want to do more than the 10-Day program?
- Check out our longer Expeditions
No longer accepting applications for 2026. Please check back for future application opportunities.
Each 10-day adventure includes:
- 12 days total including travel days
- Travel from the Sacramento, CA area
- 2 days of training at Base Camp
- Personal training and mentoring in wildlife science
- In depth training in wildlife skills
- Backpacking equipment
- 8 days of guided backpacking and wildlife science on the PCT
- Making new friends and having fun!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
10 days of guided backpacking while conducting wildlife surveys in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
AP/college or internship credit available, up to 2 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
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
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.
Train in and implement the wildlife survey protocols of the PCTBM.
Basic mountaineering, backpacking, and wilderness safety training provided.
Backpack, sleeping mat, and trekking poles provided.
Earn a certificate in Introduction to Wildlife Survey Techniques.
