Adventure for Conservation:

Volunteer Field Day at the Sumner Peck Ranch

Join the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust and Adventure Scientists for a Volunteer Field Day at Sumner Peck Ranch!

Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Sumner Peck Ranch

The Problem:

California is one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, home to countless unique species found nowhere else. However, climate change, wildfires, and habitat loss are rapidly reshaping the landscape. Conservationists lack the critical data needed to protect these ecosystems, without detailed records of plant, fungi, and animal life.

The Solution:

That’s where you come in! On this field day, you’ll embark on an exciting adventure, exploring the landscapes within California to collect soil samples and document biodiversity. Your efforts will contribute to groundbreaking research, helping scientists better understand and protect California’s wild places.

No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure!

More Details on the Project:

For the curious, find more details on the project here. Partnering with California Institute for Biodiversity, UC Santa Cruz, and Stillwater Sciences, this project is part of California’s Pathways Strategy to conserve 30% of California’s biodiversity by 2030.

What You’ll Learn and Do:

  • How to safely collect insects and preserve them for the biodiversity inventory using Adventure Scientists provided gear!
  • How your adventure supports real conservation science
  • How to choose adventurous hikes that help biodiversity research

What to Expect on Field Day:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Start the day with some breakfast, and learn about the project research and how you’ll be involved! You will learn:

  • How to properly collect and document biodiversity data
  • Which trails at Sumner Peck are permitted for sampling
  • Techniques for proper insect sampling
  • How your data contributes to conservation efforts

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Head into the field to collect insect and soil biodiversity samples.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Celebrate your impact with refreshments, community time, and fun prizes.

Why Join Us?

  • Explore the beautiful San Joaquin River Parkway.
  • Contribute to critical conservation efforts.
  • Connect with like-minded nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
Adventure Scientists recruits, trains and manages volunteers to gather high-quality data at scale for scientific partners (NGOs, government agencies, researchers and more) who are focused on solving critical environmental challenges.