Naturalists at Large (NAL), located in Emerald Bay on Catalina, is known to be the most beautiful cove on the island.

 

The following are brief descriptions of the classes and activities students will participate in while at Catalina Island.

 

MARINE MAMMALS LAB: Students will learn the main characteristics of the most common Southern Californian species of Cetaceans and Pinnipeds. Emphasis will be placed upon migration and behavior aspects of the gray whales.

 

BIRD LAB: The goal of this lab will be to identify and understand the most common Californian coastal birds. A kayak tour and sight survey will give students the opportunity to understand the actual processes of ornithology in relation to the marine environment.

 

WATER ANALYSIS LAB: Ocean water is a very common substance in our life, but we know very little about it. Students will test for salinity, visibility, pH, and temperature, focusing on how they impact the environment. 

 

PLANKTON AND MUD LAB: Plankton is the base of the life cycle in the sea. As marine scientists, students will learn how to collect plankton. Samples will be taken from a boat with a trawl net. Specimens will be studied and analyzed in the microscope as well as viewing with a videoscope.

 

FISH LAB: Students will gain a basic understanding of fish and learn to distinguish between the common species along the Southern California coast. This is accomplished by a snorkel tour and sight survey in which they will record their data in a field journal.

 

INVERTEBRATES & VERTEBRATES: In this class, the five most common phyla will be taught using a hands-on approach. The handling and sketching of live animals from our touch tanks will enhance students’ ability to identify invertebrates.

 

NATURAL HISTORY: Hiking the majestic island trails will expose students to several species of plants and animals of Catalina Island. They will discover how introduced species have affected the island ecosystem. Students will also learn about the Island’s history and geography.

 

KELP FOREST: The kelp forest is one of the most exciting and diverse habitats in the world. The parts of the plants, its uses and symbiotic relationships with the animals that live among the kelp will be discussed. A snorkel tour through the kelp will enhance the ability of the students to retain their knowledge.

 

 

Canvas Tents: Housing two people per tent on sturdy cots in a tent village

 

Cabins: Housing eight people maximum 

 

Dining Hall: Including large deck area

 

Enclosed Bathrooms with Hot Showers

 

Recreational Facilities: Including kayaking, archery, ultimate frisbee, beach volleyball, athletic field, camp store, campfire amphitheater, and surveyed swimming area.

 

Educational Facilities: Includes snorkeling, Pennington Marine Center a one-of-a-kind aquarium and marine science education facility which offerers students unparalleled opportunities to get up close and personal with the local marine life of Emerald Bay.

 

Safety: NAL has a perfect safety record. All staff is CPR, first aid, and lifeguard certified, and receives 4 hours per month of in-service training.