Day and Overnight Programs
The marine ecology program is customizable depending on your groups needs. A number of activities are available to choose from (note: some activities are weather and tide-dependent).
Day programs are 1-5 hours ($10/participant/hour, $10/chaperone)*
Overnight programs are ~24 hours (~6.5 h of MEP activities) from start to finish ($75/participant, $20/chaperone*).
For schools and youth groups: we ask that there is one chaperone for every 4–6 students. Chaperones assist the instructor and teacher with keeping the group together and with packing for overnight programs.
The MEP provides experiential learning and exciting outdoor field trips:
- Marine mammal observation, identification, and survey,
- Explore the diverse intertidal zone and its beautiful life forms,
- Keep a field journal to record scientific data, thoughts, and sketches,
- Observe current and historic ecological interconnections,
- Discuss the importance of biodiversity and marine conservation,
- Team building and collaborative learning in an outdoor classroom setting
Overnight programs
Overnight programs have the added bonus of a more relaxed program with lots of time for coastal activities and exploring. Programs typically start at 11 am and end at 11 am the following day (timing is flexible to suit your travel needs).
Option 1: Sleep in the historic Fort, a truely unique and unforgettable experience!
After MEP activities during the day you can set up your sleeping areas, cook dinner, and have a campfire when the Fort closes to the public at 4:30 pm. You can sleep in either of the two block houses (sleep ~24 people in four rooms) or in tents. If the sky is clear, the stars on the coast can be incredible. For more information about staying overnight, email mep@fortross.org
In the morning, pack up before the Fort opens at 9:30 am and meet with the instructor for more MEP activities!
Example Itinerary
Option 2: Camp at Reef Campgroud
Stay in a beautiful redwood grove on the coast after a day MEP or for an overnight program. The campground is only a 20-30 min walk from the Fort along a trail with stunning views of the coast. There are multiple beaches to choose from.
Although campsites are not usually reservable, we can make a special exception for marine ecology program groups.
Option 3: All-includive camping with FIELDGUIDES INC. 
Is organising a camping trip for your school or youth group stressful and a lot to organize? Fieldguides Outdoor Education has you covered! Fieldguides Inc. provides an all inclusive camping experience with tents, food, and a full outdoor kitchen as well as evening activities for your students.
*Program Pricing:
Day Programs: $10/student/hour, $10/chaperone
Overnight programs: $75/student, $20/chaperone
Two night program: $100 per student, $20 per chaperone
Public lands and outdoor learning experiences should be available to all, irrespective of the cost, and FRC aims to minimize the financial challenges that keep kids from taking important field trips. Click here to apply for financial assistance!
Pricing effective starting Fall 2025. For day programs, there is a minimum program cost of $300. Please email mep@fortross.org if you would like to request an exception.
Cancellations – The following is Fort Ross Conservancy’s program cancellation policy.
- Programs may be cancelled for 48 hours after booking. After 48 hours, a $100 cancellation fee will be billed to your organization.
- If either Fort Ross Conservancy or California State Parks choose to cancel a program due to unsafe conditions (weather, road conditions, or operational issues), your program will be transferred, free of charge, to a later date.
- If the applicant school must request to reschedule a program date, Please do so by emailing Operations Manager, Sarah thompson SarahT@fortross.org .