Animal Life

Animal life is abundant. Blacktail deer, raccoon, coyote, bobcat, gray fox and badger inhabit the Park and the surrounding area. Bird life is plentiful and varied: rare brown pelicans, osprey, red tail hawks, and numerous water birds. Between December and March, California gray whales pass close to shore during their yearly migration.

Educational Overview

This is a place for students to discover the unique natural and human history of the area, develop group cooperation through a shared camping experience, enhance leadership abilities, and learn basic camping skills. The Naturalists at Large program gives the students a “sense of place”. This is accomplished by introducing them to the natural and cultural history of the Seashore while they explore the over 14 miles of trails and kayak the waters of Tomales Bay.

Natural History and outdoor education themes can include the chaparral community, north coast forest, fire ecology of the redwood forest, shoreline geology, and environmental influences on plant geography. The Bear Valley Visitor Center is located less than a half a mile from the camp. The San Andreas Fault is only a few steps from the Visitor Center. Evidence of the 1906 earthquake abounds. Naturalists at Large’s program emphasis will be designed to complements the school’s goals.