Pete Trenham, Ph.D. and Chris Searcy, Ph.D. will present this workshop on the biology and conservation of the California tiger salamander (CTS). Both Dr. Trenham and Dr. Searcy have published a suite of seminal papers on the ecology and life history of the California tiger salamander, and Dr. Searcy continues to analyze long-term datasets from the three CTS distinct population segments. Dr. Trenham has taught this popular workshop annually since 2005, and Dr. Searcy has co-taught the workshop since 2015.

The lecture portion of this workshop includes digital presentations by both presenters on the identification, life history, movements, conservation, and management of the California tiger salamander. Presentations will be held remotely and will be interspersed with discussion and small group exercises.

The field portion of the workshop will include hands-on training on habitat assessment and survey techniques as well as in situ discussion about habitat management. Although the class normally encounters CTS and participants are able to handle the species, we cannot guarantee handling or pond sampling experience due to the stochastic nature of planet Earth’s biota as well as potential for failure of human systems beyond our control. Participants will need their own field equipment including dip net and waders (preferably chest waders with no holes) to practice sampling methodology.

Workshop Format

The workshop fee includes two days of online lectures on May 13 and 14 from 10 am – 2:30 pm PST, and enrollment in ONE of four field training sessions, either May 21 or May 22, at the Dorrance Ranch, outside of Salinas. Field sessions will take place each day from 9 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm.

Workshop Objectives

Increase participant understanding of:

• the biology of California tiger salamanders;
• habitat management for this species, and;
• how to apply information in large-scale and local conservation planning efforts.

Improve these participant skills:

• species identification;
• aquatic habitat sampling techniques, and;
• upland and aquatic site assessment.

Registration details

Please note – your registration will not be finalized until we receive your registration fee. Payment can be either in the form of a credit card through Eventbrite or a check made payable to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation and sent to:

Elkhorn Slough Foundation

ATTN: Training and Engagement (formerly Coastal Training Program)

1700 Elkhorn Road

Watsonville, CA 95076

Register here!