2026 CRAM Training 5-day Costa Mesa
Description
CRAM 5-day Practitioner-Level Training Session- RESCHEDULED
Note: On 3/23/26 This class has been rescheduled to October 19-23rd, 2026 (from April 20-24th) due to a low number of registrations.
This training session will provide the skills necessary to conduct accurate and repeatable assessments of wetland condition using the California Rapid Assessment Method, or CRAM. The session involves both classroom and field instruction, with an emphasis on the field component. It is a fun, fast-paced, and collaborative class that will provide a new lens for looking at stream and wetland health.
This training will be held on October 19-23rd, 2026 in Costa Mesa, CA. Your training instructors will be Rich Beck (Michael Baker International), Erik Larsen (AECOM), and Sarah Pearce (SFEI), all members of the statewide Level 2 committee of the California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup. The field sites will include riverine and depressional wetlands in Orange County. An initial email will be sent out about 6 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 October 1st. A minimum of 16 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.
Classroom portion: two half-days in the classroom focusing on the structure of CRAM, how to conduct assessments, the similarities and differences between wetland types, how CRAM can be used in ambient assessments or in project planning, monitoring and tracking, and how CRAM supports the WRAMP framework and monitoring and assessment within a watershed context.
Field portion: two half days and three full days visiting 8 different wetland sites. Participants will gain hands-on experience in conducting CRAM assessments, and will have ample interaction and guidance from the training instructors.
The class includes a short take-home written test and two field practicum assessments.
Agenda
- 8:30 am - 5:15 pm
Example Training Agenda
Day 1: Morning classroom time learning about CRAM. Afternoon field site focused on understanding how CRAM metrics are scored. Day 2: Morning classroom time learning how to accurately interpret CRAM metric scoring. Afternoon field site focused on completing an assessment with guidance. Days 3 and 4: Visit two field sites each day, independently conducting assessments in small groups. Day 5: Visit two field sites, independently conducting field practicums.
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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