. Banner Image by John Cleckler

Workshops for Biologists
Expert-led Workshops Focused on Amphibian Ecology and Habitat Conservation


For nearly two decades, the Laguna Foundation has partnered with herpetologists Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez to offer hands-on, science-based training for professional biologists, resource managers, and students.

Our past workshops have included the Rare Pond Species Survey Techniques Workshop, the California Tiger Salamander Terrestrial Ecology Workshop, the Amphibians of the San Francisco Bay Area Workshop, and the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog Ecology & Conservation Workshop. Each year, these popular programs draw participants from across the West Coast to explore the ecology, conservation, and field techniques used to monitor and protect our region’s rare pond species.



Foothill Yellow-legged frog, Photo by Jeff Alvarez

Foothill Yellow-legged Frog Ecology & Conservation Workshop
With Jeff Alvarez and Jeff Wilcox
October 24-25, 2025
$350. Registration required.

Lecture & Lunch: Friday, October 24, 8:00am–12:30pm at the Laguna Environmental Center
Field Trip Options: Friday, October 24, 1:30pm–5:00pm, Saturday, October 25, 8:00–11:30am, or Saturday, October 25, 12:30–4:00pm. Location to be determined. Field trips are identical. Participants select one field session at registration.

Dive into the ecology and conservation of the threatened Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog! This workshop combines a Friday lecture on identification, habitat, behavior, and survey techniques with a hands-on field trip to an active FYLF creek site. Led by experts Jeff Alvarez and Jeff Wilcox, participants will gain practical skills while exploring aquatic and riparian habitats. Bring appropriate field gear and carpool if possible for this immersive, amphibian-focused experience.



Red-bellied newt

Amphibians of the San Francisco Bay Area Workshop
With Jeff Alvarez and Dave Cook
December 5-7, 2025
$350. Registration required.

Lecture & Lunch: Friday, December 5, 8:30am–4:00pm at the Laguna Environmental Center
Field Trip Options: Saturday, December 6 or Sunday, December 7. Field Trip to Private Preserve in Sonoma County. Field trips are identical. Participants select one field session at registration.

Discover the fascinating world of San Francisco Bay Area amphibians! This workshop covers the life history, ecology, and conservation of 16 local species—from the Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog to the Western Toad—while teaching practical identification, habitat, and behavior skills. Led by amphibian experts Dave Cook and Jeff Alvarez, participants will gain hands-on knowledge and insights from their regional research.

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For more information, contact Maggie Hart, Outreach Manager
by email or calling (707) 527-9277 x 100

To join our Technical Workshop Advance Notification email list, please email: workshops@lagunafoundation.org

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