Learn more on a field seminar
Through a combination of field excursions and classroom presentations, field seminars emphasize a spirit of learning and camaraderie in a magnificent outdoor setting at a reasonable cost. Instructors are experts in their fields and include scientists, naturalists, and acclaimed photographers, writers, historians, and artists.
2023 Field Seminars
You can view a complete list of the 2023 seminars below. Registration opened for Mono Lake Committee members on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 9:00am. Non-members could register starting on March 1, 2023 or join as a member to register on February 1. If you have any questions, please send us an email or call (760) 647-6595.
Bird Anatomy & Physiology
January 30, 2022 @ 6:00–8:00pm
Instructor: Nora Livingston
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Bird Feathers & Flight
February 13, 2022 @ 6:00–8:00pm
Instructor: Nora Livingston
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Bird Food & Foraging
February 27, 2022 @ 6:00–8:00pm
Instructor: Nora Livingston
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Bird Mating, Social, & Vocal Behavior
March 13, 2022 @ 6:00–8:00pm
Instructor: Nora Livingston
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Bird Breeding Biology
March 27, 2022 @ 6:00–8:00pm
Instructor: Nora Livingston
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Bird Migration & Dispersal
April 10, 2022 @ 6:00–8:00pm
Instructor: Nora Livingston
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2022 Field Seminars by date
| Seminar and Instructor | Date | Member/Non-member price | GROUP SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Photography at Mono Lake Joe Decker | May 19–21 | $295/$310 | 12 |
| Birding Mono Basin Hotspots Nora Livingston | May 27–28 | $180/$195 | 8 |
| Breeding Birds of the Mono Basin Nora Livingston | June 3 | $130/$145 | 8 |
| Natural History of Mono Basin Woodpeckers Steve Shunk | June 19–22 | $265/$280 | 12 |
| July 7–9 | $265/$280 | 10 | |
Canceled | July 14–16 | $265/$280 | 12 |
| Geology of the Mono Basin: Land of Fire & Ice Greg Stock | July 21–23 | $235/$250 | 14 |
| Communing With(in) Nature Bree Salazar – This seminar is specifically designed for participants who self-identify as BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). | July 28–30 | $40–80 sliding scale | Enrollment limited |
| Natural History at the Edge of the Sierra Nora Livingston | August 5 | $130/$145 | 8 |
| Falling for the Migration: Bridgeport, Crowley, Mono Dave Shuford | August 11–13 | $235/$250 | 10 |
| Mono Basin & Bodie Photography David Gubernick | August 18–20 | $310/$325 | 12 |
| Late Summer Birding Nora Livingston | August 26–27 | $180/$195 | 8 |
| Mono Basin Tree Identification Nora Livingston | September 2 | $130/$145 | 8 |
| Los Angeles Aqueduct Tour Robbie Di Paolo & Maureen McGlinchy | September 3 | $130/$145 | 15 |
| Eastern Sierra Volcanism Claire Landowski | September 8–10 | $235/$250 | 10 |
| Mono Basin Landscape & Night Photography Jeff Sullivan | September 15–17 | $295/$310 | 10 |
| Geology of the Mono Basin: Land of Fire & Ice Greg Stock | September 22–24 | $235/$250 | 14 |
| Arborglyphs & Aspen Natural History – FULL Richard Potashin & Nancy Hadlock – Add your name to the waitlist | October 7–8 | $180/$195 | 12 |
| Mono Basin Fall Photography – FULL Robb Hirsch – Add your name to the waitlist | October 13–15 | $295/$310 | 12 |
May–June 2022 Field Seminars
July 2022 Field Seminars
August 2022 Field Seminars
September–October 2022 Field Seminars
2022 Field Seminars by topic
2022 Art Field Seminars
2022 Photography Field Seminars
2022 Birding Field Seminars
2022 Botany Field Seminars
2022 Geology Field Seminars
2022 Natural History Field Seminars
2022 Water Policy Field Seminars
Wait lists
If the seminar you wish to sign up for is full, you can join a wait list here. We will contact you as soon as a space opens up and you can always give us a call to inquire about your spot on the list: (760) 647-6595.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel three weeks prior to the seminar start date, we will refund your payment (less a $15 processing fee per person per seminar). If you cancel within three weeks of the seminar start date, we will refund 50% of your payment. If you cancel within one week of the seminar start date, no refunds will be issued.
If a seminar receives less than six participants the seminar will be canceled two weeks in advance, and full refunds will be issued.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pay for a field seminar?
You need a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit card to pay for your seminar, whether you are signing up online or over the phone. We do not accept personal checks.
Can I attend only a portion of a field seminar?
You may, as long as you attend the very first meeting of the seminar. For example, if your seminar begins on Friday evening at 6:00pm, you must attend that portion. There are no discounts for attending only a portion of any field seminar.
Is lodging included?
No, seminar participants must arrange their own lodging. We advise that you make your lodging reservations as soon as you sign up for any seminar(s). The town of Lee Vining has several motels, as does the town of June Lake, approximately 15 miles south of Lee Vining. Campsites may also available in nearby campgrounds or at the Mono Vista RV Park in Lee Vining. Dispersed camping is also an option; please make sure you camp in an area where it is allowed (sleeping in your car is not allowed in Lee Vining or at Mono Lake recreation sites).
Can I bring my children?
Children ages 12 and older are welcome to participate in field seminars, as long as a parent or guardian is also registered in the same seminar. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in Mono Lake field seminars.
Can I bring my pet?
No pets are allowed on any Field Seminars. Please consider this in advance and find boarding accommodations for your pets or leave them at home; do not leave pets in your car during seminars. Service animals assisting people with disabilities are allowed on seminars and must be leashed.
Do I need four-wheel drive for my field seminar?
No, generally not.
Does weather affect the seminars? What about wildfire smoke?
Weather: The Mono Basin’s dramatic weather is part of what you come here to experience. There are no refunds for weather-related reasons, so please check road conditions before you leave home, and bring plenty of layers, rain gear, and warm clothes for your seminar.
Wildfire smoke: We will make every effort to avoid wildfire smoke, which may include relocating portions of seminars to less-smoky areas (be prepared for seminar itineraries to change at the last minute). If the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Lee Vining according to Purple Air is lower than 100 for PM-2.5, the seminar will proceed. If the AQI is 100 or higher, the seminar instructor may decide to cancel the day’s activities if they cannot be relocated. If the AQI is 150 or higher, the day’s activities, and possibly the entire seminar, will be canceled. Anyone may leave a seminar at any time due to smoke sensitivity, regardless of the AQI. Refunds will be issued on a case-by-case basis; please contact the seminar team to discuss refunds.
Related Posts
2023 Field Seminar registration opens February 1
Natural history from Mono Lake to Tioga Pass
Mono Basin Tree ID field seminar still has space
All Field Seminars operate under permits from the Inyo National Forest and California State Park system.
Top photo courtesy of Bob Yates.