San Francisco State University Sierra Nevada Field Campus Announces 2026 Summer Course Schedule
The San Francisco State University (SFSU) Sierra Nevada Field Campus (SNFC) is now accepting registrations for its 2026 summer courses and workshops. These immersive, field-based programs offer hands-on learning experiences in the natural sciences, arts, and culture of the Sierra Nevada region for high school students (with parent chaperones), college students, educators, and community members.
Exploring the Sierra Nevada Through Experiential Learning
Located near Bassets Station along the scenic Highway 49, the SNFC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning community focused on ecology, land management, art, music, and cultural traditions. The campus provides a unique environment for classes, workshops, retreats, and research, serving both the SFSU community and the wider public.
“Learning outdoors renews the connection between people, place, and self,” said SNFC Director Lynx Gallagher. “Our programs bring together scientists, artists, students, and community members to explore the Sierra Nevada through hands-on discovery.”
Diverse Course Offerings for Summer 2026
The 2026 schedule features a diverse range of courses, including options in field biology, ecology, astronomy, geology, nature writing, birding, environmental activism, and painting. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the region’s landscapes through both scientific investigation and creative expression.
Some of the courses available include:
- Birds of the Sierra Nevada (May 31–June 5)
- Bird Song and Wildlife Sound Recording (June 6–13)
- Birding by Ear in the Sierra (June 14–19)
- Play of Light and Shadows: Oil Painting in the Sierra (June 14–19)
- Songwriting in the High Sierra (June 21–26)
- Beginning Birding (June 28–July 3)
- ART 470: The Mobile Studio – Creative Research in the Outdoors (June 28–July 3)
- Butterflies and Moths of the Sierra Nevada (July 5–10)
- Night Photography (July 12–17)
- Practical Observational Astronomy in the Sierra Nevada (July 12–17)
- Gathering Stones: Writing Poetry by the River (July 19–24)
- Natural Dyes and Pigments of the Sierra Nevada (July 19–24)
- Fly Fishing in the North Yuba Watershed (July 26–28)
- Medicinal and Edible Wild Plants (July 26–29)
- Natural History of the Sierra Nevada (Aug 16–21)
- Botanical Printing (Aug 16–21)
- Secrets Among the Oaks of the North Yuba Watershed (Aug 23-28)
- Natural History of Gold Lakes Basin: Stars, Geology, and Plants (Aug 23–26)
A complete list of classes and dates can be found on the SNFC registration portal.
Funding Opportunities and Registration Details
Several funding opportunities are available to help make these programs accessible, including the Northern Sierra Research Award (up to $5,000 annually for graduate students) and Friends of the SNFC Stipends for early-career professionals and community members. More information on grants and scholarships can be found here.
Full-time college students are eligible for reduced rates. Registration for Summer 2026 programs is currently open, and classes are filling quickly.
For inquiries regarding class listings, scholarship information, or registration, contact the Sierra Nevada Field Campus at snfc@sfsu.edu.
Additional information about the SNFC and its programs is available through San Francisco State University.