2026 CRAM Refresher 1-day Richmond
Description
CRAM 1-day Refresher Training Session
This training session is intended for practitioners that have taken a 5-day training in the past 5 years and either a) were just trained last year and have not conducted any assessments since, or b) were trained prior to last year and have conducted at least a handful of assessments since being trained. We suggest taking a 5-day practitioner training if a) you were trained in the past 5 years but have not conducted any assessments, or b) were trained more than 5 years ago.
This training session will provide a refresher on the critical elements for conducting an accurate and repeatable assessment, and will provide hands-on experience at a single field location with significant interaction with the instructors. The refresher will consist of time in the morning in the classroom and a single assessment in the field in the afternoon. This refresher is strongly recommended, even for practitioners that have regularly been practicing.
This training will be held on August 7th, 2026 in Richmond, CA. Your training instructor will be Sarah Pearce (SFEI), a member of the statewide Level 2 committee of the California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup. The field site will be a local wetland in the Richmond/Hercules area. An initial email will be sent out about 4 weeks before the session, and the agenda and further details will be sent 2 weeks before the session. Appropriate footwear (waterproof knee boots, and rugged field shoes such as hiking boots) are required.
Registration closes on July 24th. A minimum of 10 registrations are required to hold the class; a total of 24 registrations are available. If registration numbers are not met, we will work to reschedule the class or transfer your registration to another class. If the class fills, you will be placed on a waitlist. Payment is preferred using a credit card through the Humanitix platform. Please reach out to Sarah Pearce (cram-training@sfei.org) if your organization requires an invoice or payment via check.
Please bring your fieldbooks to the training.
Agenda
- 8:30 am - 5:15 pm
Example Training Agenda
Morning classroom time refreshing on CRAM metrics and interpretations. Afternoon field site practicing an assessment, with ample time interacting with the instructor, and a thorough debrief with the group.
FAQs
- How do I reach out with a question?
Reach out via email to Sarah Pearce, the statewide training coordinator with any questions. cram-training@sfei.org
- What footwear is required?
Required footwear varies between classes and regions. Every class will require waterproof knee boots (those that come up to the bottom of your knee) and sturdy field shoes such as hiking boots. Some classes may require hipboots or chest waders, depending on water levels and the time of year.
- What expertise is required?
There are no strict requirements on expertise, however a working level understanding of streams and wetlands is necessary. Those that have spent time working in the field and are comfortable making visual observations will thrive. Don't fret if this isn't you- coming into class with a great attitude and willingness to spend all day in the field and learn is all that is required.
- Who typically attends CRAM training sessions?
CRAM training sessions often include a diverse group of professionals. Past participants have included State and Federal agency staff (e.g. USACE, Regional Board, CDFW, EPA, Coastal Conservancy, State Parks), environmental consultants, local agency staff (e.g. flood control districts, RCD staff, regional park staff), academics (college professors and graduate students), tribal environmental department staff, and field-based community-based organization technical staff. There is typically a wide range of expertise in the group, such as ecology, geology, botany, wetland science, hydrology, biology, soil science, and permitting specialists as examples.
- Are CRAM classes fun?
As answered by Sarah Pearce, the statewide CRAM training coordinator, that is in her 18th year of teaching CRAM: "CRAM training weeks are my most fun weeks of the year by far. The classes are so collaborative and friendly. We spend most of our time outside in beautiful streams and wetlands, and truly gain a group of new colleagues and friends during the week. There is lots of laughter to go along with the learning."
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