The Sierra Nevada Field Campus
The Sierra Nevada Field Campus (SNFC) is a research and education field station dedicated to building inclusive community around teaching and learning in the natural sciences, land management, art, music, and culture. We offer workshops, classes, and program space for convenings for individuals and groups alike who contribute to this work and we provide space for researchers to conduct studies at field sites. We primarily aim to serve the San Francisco State University community but we also serve as a research and education resource for the local communities of the northern Sierra Nevada, the general public of California, and beyond.
A Place For Learning In The Mountains
A 75 Year History
Started in 1949 by SFSU president J. Paul Leonard, the Sierra Nevada Field Campus holds a rich history of research and education in the mountains.
Register for Summer 2025
We have a full schedule of workshops and classes. Check out our offerings and sign up to join us this summer!
See the Field Campus
Curious what the Field Campus looks like and what you can look forward to seeing here? Check out our photo gallery.
Grants and Scholarships can get you here!
Each summer, thanks to generous donations from SNFC community members, we offer a few scholarships for students to join us at the Field Campus. If you want to come for a program but are facing financial barriers, please reach out to us!
Planning Your Visit
Making the journey to the Field Campus brings up plenty of questions. Click the photos below to learn about planning your visit.
Testimonials
"I am writing this letter so that I can let you know just how much this experience meant to me. It is one of the best things I have ever done. Sending that first email to sign up is one of my greatest decisions, even if I was super worried about sending an email and how I would sound. The class on reptiles and amphibians was better than I could have ever imagined. Everyone was super friendly, and the whole atmosphere at the field campus is just incredible. Words are yet to be created that can describe just how much this experience meant to me. I look forward to sharing this experience with other people at my school!" —Student
The Sierra Nevada Field Campus is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.
The Sierra Nevada Field Campus operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, Tahoe N. F.