About this Event
Join amphibian experts Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez for an in-depth workshop exploring the life history, ecology, identification, and conservation of the frogs, toads, and salamanders of the San Francisco Bay Area. Designed for professional biologists, resource managers, environmental consultants, students, and others working with California wildlife, this workshop combines a full day of classroom instruction with a small-group field trip to a private preserve in Sonoma County.
Workshop Schedule
The lecture will be held on Friday, December 4, 2026, from 8:30am to 4:00pm at the Laguna Environmental Center.
Participants will also attend one field trip to a private preserve in Sonoma County on either Saturday, December 5, or Sunday, December 6, 2026. Four identical field trip sessions are available, each limited to 20 participants. During registration, participants may choose from the following sessions: Saturday, December 5, from 9:00am–11:30am or 1:00pm–3:30pm, and Sunday, December 6, from 9:00am–11:30am or 1:00pm–3:30pm.
Workshop Content
The workshop provides an overview of the life history, ecology, and conservation of amphibians found in the San Francisco Bay Area. Participants will learn about identification features, range and distribution, habitat requirements, behavior, and conservation considerations for each of the 16 species covered during the course.
Species discussed include American Bullfrog, Arboreal Salamander, Black Salamander, California Giant Salamander, California Red-Legged Frog, California Slender Salamander, California Tiger Salamander, Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog, Northwestern Salamander, Pacific Chorus Frog, California Newt, Red-Bellied Newt, Rough-Skinned Newt, Western Spadefoot, Western Toad, and Yellow-Eyed Salamander.
Instructors
Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez are recognized experts in amphibian ecology and conservation and have conducted herpetological research throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, they bring decades of field experience and practical knowledge to this workshop.
Registration
Registration is $375. Registration opens Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 9:00am.
Refund Policy
Cancellations received more than 30 days before the workshop will receive a refund, less a $50 processing fee. No refunds will be granted within 30 days of the workshop, regardless of personal or professional emergency. Registrations may be transferred to another individual within the same agency, if needed.
Co-Sponsors
The Wildlife Project specializes in environmental compliance and technical field surveys, specifically, assisting clients with mitigation development and monitoring, special-status species surveys and habitat evaluations, biological assessments, survey and monitoring technique development, and biological consultation. The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation works to restore and conserve the Laguna de Santa Rosa, and to inspire public appreciation for this Sonoma County Wetland of International Importance.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Event venue & nearby stays
Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, United States
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