BIG SUR FIELD GUIDE
Thank you for taking part in the Nature Corps’ volunteer outing
This outing is to be held in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. We appreciate your desire to preserve this beautiful park and look forward to sharing a unique and rewarding experience with you. The following information will help you prepare for the outing.
Closest Airport
San Jose International Airport is the largest airport closest to Big Sur State Park. Monterey Airport has fewer flights but is closest to Big Sur. Directions to Big Sur State Park are below.
What You Need To Know About
Your Trip to Big Sur
Since we are along the coast, you must be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Nothing will ruin your trip more easily than if it rains on your gear and you can't get warm at night. Make sure that you bring along a tarp or plastic drop cloth to cover your tent and a compact rain poncho if it rains. These items are relatively inexpensive and are well worth the investment.
It will most likely be alternating breezy, sunny and warm during the day and cool in the evening. Be sure to bring along plenty of sunscreen, windbreaker and a wide brimmed hat to cover your ears and face. Since it will be cool in the evenings, bring along sweatshirts, jacket and wool cap or hat.
Insurance & Medical Care
We strongly encourage you to obtain private travel and accident insurance for the duration of the expedition. Emergency transport, medical or hospitalization costs resulting from illness or accident on the way to and from the national parks and during the expedition are the responsibility of the person receiving such care and/or their children, parents/guardians & immediate family.
Expedition Conditions
During the expedition you are under the direction of the National Park Service staff and The Nature Corps Expedition Leaders. You will be asked to share in both the fieldwork and "camp" responsibilities. Your safety is very important to us. It is critical that volunteers cooperate with the Expedition Leaders and Park Service personnel. Working in the field inevitably involves unforeseen situations. Flexibility and cooperation are essential.
Nature Corps Provides
The following pages will help you to prepare for your volunteer expedition by providing a list of what will be provided by Nature Corps, a bulleted list of items to bring, packing suggestions, a map and other related information. We hope that they provide you with all that you need to make your volunteer experience a great one. If you have any questions that are not answered in this packet, please feel free to contact us via email (info@thenaturecorps.org) or phone (805) 904-3444.
Campsite
A private campsite provides secluded tent sites, a restroom within walking distance and a place to store your food and personal items. There is also a fire pit and wood for evening campfires ... don't forget your folding chairs! Showers are located at the base camp. Nature Corps signs will direct you to the site.
Nature Corps Meals
We provide all food and beverage services during the outing including delicious dinners, hearty breakfasts and tasty deli-style box lunches!
This Voluntour Package includes
Entrance fees
Campground fees for tent camping
Professional guides and crew leaders
VIP Nature Walks
Outdoor chefs and cooking team
All meals from the time of your arrival to your departure
All plates, cups and eating utensils
Unlimited water, lemonade, and other refreshments
Commonly shared camping gear such as canopies, tables, lantern, etc
Nature Corps T-Shirt
Nature Corps Water Bottle
What you will need to bring
Camping Gear
□ Tent
□ Sleeping Bag (rated for freezing temperatures)
□ Extra Blanket or 2 if bag is not rated as above
□ Air Mattress or Pad
□ 2 Plastic Tarps ( one to cover tent in case of rain)
□ Pillow
□ Alarm clock
□ Flashlight (fresh batteries)
□ Concert lawn chair
Work Gear
□ Working Clothing including long pants/jeans.
□ Hiking/Work Boots
□ Work Gloves
□ Wide Brimmed hat to protect face and neck from sun
□ Large Canteen
□ Small Daypack or Fanny Pack for hikes
□ Moleskin (for Blisters)
□ Sunglasses
□ Sunscreen
□ Chapstick
□ Bug Repellent
Personal Hygene & First Aid
□ Band Aids
□ Pain Relievers (IE Tylenol/Advil)
□ Motion Sickness pills
□ Medications
□ Razor
□ Toothbrush & Toothpaste
□ Comb & brush
□ Soap
□ Shampoo/ Conditioner
□ Wash Cloth & Towels
Clothing
□ Jacket
□ Windbreaker
□ Sweatshirt & Pants
□ Wool cap
□ Compact rain poncho
□ Underwear & Long johns
□ T-shirts
□ Socks: thick and regular
□ Jeans
□ Shorts
□ Swimsuit & River Sandals
□ Light weight & wool shirts
Optional items
□ Musical Instruments
□ Binoculars/Telescope
□ Camera
□ Book/Reading Material
□ Fishing Gear & License
Directions to Big Sur California
The road to Big Sur is windy and is 26 miles south of Carmel and 105 miles north of San Luis Obispo. Some people riding with you may feel more comfortable taking motion sickness pills prior to driving on the windy portions of Highway 1.
We will be camping at Andrew Molera State Park.
Because road conditions are constantly in flux, please use this link to locate our basecamp: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JHtYFe8JWUhxovhB7
Registration begins at 3pm.
Important Phone #s:
State Park Ranger, Samuel Winters
(760) 809-2293 or Big Sur Station (831) 667-2315
The Nature Corps Jeff Landon
cell (805) 904-3444
The Nature Corps. Mark Landon
cell (805)975-7300
Call the above numbers for further instructions if you are experiencing emergency conditions that may have altered the original outing plans.
