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 will open for Mono Lake Committee members on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 9:00am. Non-members can 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
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
Geology of the Mono Basin lottery
This year, the two Geology of the Mono Basin field seminars will be filled by lottery. You may enter the lottery once when the lottery period is open. When applying for the lottery, you will be asked which seminar date(s) you would like to apply for, how many people are in your group, and if anyone in your group has attended the Geology of the Mono Basin field seminar before.
The lottery will open on February 1, 2023 at 9:00am PST and will close on February 6, 2023 at 11:59pm PST. Everyone will be contacted on February 7, 2023 by email with the results of the lottery. If your lottery entry is successful, you will have until February 10, 2023 to complete your registration. If your lottery entry is not successful, you will be notified of your position on the wait list (determined by random draw) and if you would like to accept that spot on the wait list. First-time registrants for this seminar will get priority; however, there will be a limited number of spots for past attendees as well.
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 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.