Afternoon: Hotel check-in and program registration is from 3:00 - 5:00 PM.

Dinner: Cambria Pines Lodge.

Evening: Orientation session after dinner.

Lodging: Cambria Pines Lodge

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at Cambria Pines Lodge.

Morning: Prepare for your upcoming field trips by studying Elephant Seals and sea otters this morning followed by a talk about the Monarch Butterfly migration. Get ready for our expert's fun and informative presentations!

Lunch: Cambria Pines Lodge.

Afternoon: Take a fieldtrip to the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History for a short walk to observe the intriguing life of the Heron Rookery, followed by time back at the museum where unrivaled technological interactive displays await. One can learn about estuary ecology, it's animals and life. Operate the hydrologic cycle, dig a food pit to create your own food chain or observe what the forces of nature are doing at that very moment in time in a number of interactive exhibits.

Dinner: Cambria Pines Lodge.

Evening: A local bird expert leads a class this evening to further your understanding of the birds in this area, and to prepare you for those to look for during our walks and fieldtrips this week.

Lodging: Cambria Pines Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: At Cambria Pines Lodge.

Morning: The morning includes two field trips so hold on to your hat! First we'll head out with a guide from the Audubon Society to view some of the several hundred species of birds that winter in this area. Afterwards, we'll head down the coast to Wolff Vineyards for some tips on wine tasting. Our instructor will be the owner and winemaker. His 125 acres of ecologically friendly property was planted 30 years ago by one of the Edna Valley's wine growing pioneers, Andy MacGregor.

Lunch: At the winery by a local artisan caterer.

Afternoon: Following our lunch break we will take a walk through the vineyard with the winemaker. He will discuss the unique ecological aspects of his vineyard which provides habitat for some other migrating species!

Return to the lodge late afternoon for a couple hours of free time before dinner to rest and relax.

Dinner: Cambria Pines Lodge.

Evening: Our wine instructor will join us for dinner and spend the evening with us discussing organic and sustainable wine growing practices.

Lodging: Cambria Pines Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: At Cambria Pines Lodge

Morning: Known as a "Globally Important Bird Area on the Pacific Flyway," this time of year brings some 400 species of birds to their winter home. Head to San Simeon to walk with a local docent to view ocean birds, inland birds and those that inhabit the local hills. Although a mild to moderate hike (level 3), one can always stop anywhere and just enjoy the scenery or walk back to San Simeon Creek picnic area if one chooses. Following the walk, take a field trip to visit the elephant seal sanctuary with our mammal expert. It can be a noisy place indeed during breeding season as males bellow threats, pups squawk to be fed, and females squabble with each other over prime location and pups. Gargles, grunts, whimpers, squeals and trumpeting combine to create the elephant seal symphony of sound. From huge blubbery males with pendulous noses (up to 2 feet long) to winsome females with a permanent smile to endearing plump babies (weaners) with big brown eyes, this will be an experience you will long remember.

Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon: Our expert returns to continue our sea mammal studies- this time focusing on whales. Then enjoy a few hours of free time prior to dinner.

Dinner: At Cambria Pines Lodge

Evening: View a video on estuaries followed by evening entertainment in the lodge's lounge.

Lodging: Cambria Pines Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: At Cambria Pines Lodge

Morning: Now it's time to catch a glimpse of the migrating grey whales and other ocean inhabitants such as sea otters and dolphins we've learned so much about. After a brief drive to Morro Bay, we'll board a chartered boat out to sea. Please note that weather may effect the length and possibility of this field trip. An alternate activity is planned in the event of unsafe sea conditions.

After our trip at sea we will head to a beloved attraction at Pismo Beach, the "Butterfly Trees." You'll understand the nickname as you see hundreds of Monarchs congregating on their chosen trees, hanging wing down one over another forming a shingle effect and giving shelter and warmth for the group. A docent will guide and instruct as we view this delightful sight.

Lunch: Enjoy some free time in Pismo Beach to explore this fun beach town and discover a restaurant for lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Following our lunch break we will return to the Cambria Pines Lodge for some free time in the afternoon to explore on your own. Public transportation or taxis are available to take you to sites of interest.

Optional tour of the Cambria Pines Lodge gardens with a local heritage and native plant expert. The lodge gardens include an Herb Garden, Succulent Garden, Flower Bed, Green Garden, Gazebo Garden, White Garden, Rose Garden, and Organic Kitchen Garden mingled with lawn areas, secluded pathways, and ancient pine trees.

Dinner: At Cambria Pines Lodge

Evening: View a one hour film on the Migration of the Monarch Butterfly to help with your understanding of this magnificent flight.

Lodging: Cambria Pines Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: At Cambria Pines Lodges

Morning: Program wrap up with discussion about program highlights. Farewell! Come see us again at one of our other many programs held here on the beautiful and pristine Central Coast of California!

Meals Included: Breakfast