Cone Camp is a hybrid training course comprised of a 2-3 hour online prep course (Cone Hunting 101) and in-person hands-on field training. Attendees learn how to identify, monitor, and facilitate collections from California’s native conifers to support reforestation efforts taking place across the state.

 

Who is this training for?

Anyone interested in learning about conifer cone and seed collection! College students, professional and amateur arborists, foresters, field technicians, community scientists, and Corps or service members are all welcome. Cone Camp Day 1 provides a robust introduction to the skills, tools, and knowledge related to cone collection and forest seed gathering. If cone collection is or will become part of your work, we recommend staying for Days 2 & 3 for more in-depth guided practice.

 

Agenda Overview

Pre-camp: Complete the online course, Cone Hunting 101

Day 1 - Community & Pros: Review the basics and get your hands sappy with experience identifying species, rating cone crops, submitting surveys, setting up throwlines, & evaluating cone ripeness while getting oriented to your local surrounding and culture of seed collection!

  • Introduction to CA Reforestation & Careers
  • Local Orientation
  • Collection Culture, Ethics, & Guidelines
  • Conifer Identification Practice
  • Cone Surveying & Monitoring Field Practice

 

Day 2 & 3 - Pros: Get comfortable with day-of collection operations and contract administration, and put the pedal to the metal by practicing & conducting official cone surveys guided by cone experts and support surveys for the local forest.

  • Cone Collection & Ground Crew Demonstration
  • Contract Administration
  • Cone Surveying & Field Monitoring Practice in Small Groups

 

What you'll receive: Printed copy of the California Cone Hunter's Pocket Guide, expert coaching, hands-on practice and guidance!

American Forests is reserving group camping for the training, attendees are welcome to utilize the space to camp overnight for no additional fee.

What to pack: Binoculars (if you have them), hard hat, camp chair, closed-toed shoes, all meals and snacks, sun protection, warm layers. Note: If camping, you are responsible for bringing ALL necessary camping equipment and meals.  Potable water will be available.


Can't attend due to financial constraints? Fill out the form below to request a registration fee waiver. Requests are not guaranteed, and waivers are limited and reserved for those who need it in order to attend. Cone Camp 2026: Registration Fee Waiver Request – Fill out form  


Cone Camps are organized by American Forests in partnership with CAL FIRE Reforestation Services Program and USDA Forest Service Region 5 via the California Reforestation Pipeline Partnership.

Cone Camp 2026 Schedule

Registration is closed


Northern California Cone Camp • Shasta-Trinity National Forest (near Weaverville, CA)

FULL

Stoney Ground Campground, Trinity Lake Blvd, Lewiston, CA 96052 (40.851404, -122.850361)

  • June 9th (Community Camp)
  • June 9th - 11th (Pro Camp)


Southern Sierra Cone Camp • Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest

FULL

Methuselah Group Campground, Springville, CA 93265 (36.209132, -118.685241)

  • June 23th  (Community Camp)
  • June 23th - 25th (Pro Camp)


Northern Sierra Cone Camp • Eldorado National Forest (near Pollock Pines, CA)

FULL

Sly Park Event Center, Mormon Emigrant Trail, Pollock Pines, CA 95726 (38.717620, -120.562858)

  • July 14th (Community Camp)
  • July 14th - 16th (Pro Camp)



CAMPS ARE FULL - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

  • Recommended for early career professionals, students, and community scientists looking for an introduction to conifer seed scouting and monitoring.

    Attend Day 1 of the training

    Day 1: Introduction to CA Reforestation, Local Orientation, Ethics and Guidelines, Conifer Identification Practice, Cone Surveying & Monitoring Field Practice

    What you'll receive: Printed copy of the CA Cone Hunter's Pocket Guide, expert coaching and hands on practice and activities for cone surveying and monitoring!

  • Recommended for reforestation practitioners, arborists, and field technicians conducting cone surveying, monitoring, and collection this field season.

    Attend Day 1 - 3 of the training

    Day 1: Introduction to CA Reforestation, Local Orientation, Ethics and Guidelines, Conifer Identification Practice, Cone Surveying & Monitoring Field Practice.

    Day 2: Cone Collection & Ground Crew Demonstration, Contract Administration, Continued Cone Surveying & Field Monitoring Practice in Small Groups.

    Day 3: Continued Cone Surveying & Monitoring Field Practice in Small Groups

    What you'll receive: Printed copy of the CA Cone Hunter's Pocket Guide, expert coaching, in-depth hands on practice and guidance for running a successful cone season from start to finish lead by experts in the field.

  • We can accept checks upon sign-in on Day 1

  • We can accept checks upon sign-in on Day 1

  • Night 4 option is ONLY AVAILABLE for SoSierra Cone Camp at Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest and NoSierra Cone Camp at El Dorado NF. NorCal at Shasta-Trinity NF will NOT have camping reserved for the night after Day 3.

I understand that material covered in the online course 'Cone Hunting 101' will only be cursorily reviewed at Cone Camp and that I am expected to complete it BEFORE arriving. I understand that arriving to Cone Camp without having completed the online course would be starting at a deficit, which may affect learning outcomes and my ability to fully acquire the desired knowledge and skills.

I understand that if I opt to camp, ALL meals and camping gear for the duration are my own responsibility. Potable water and restrooms will be available.

A signed waiver by each event participant will be required. A link to obtain waivers for all registrants will be shown on the confirmation page.
$0.00
$0.00

BILLING INFORMATION

Secure checkout PCI compliant
Safe & Secure Checkout PCI-compliant • 256-bit AES encryption

Still not sure what this is all about? Watch below to learn more and see the critical work in action!

RegFox Event Registration Software
Event Registration Software by RegFox