Workshop FAQs

ITINERARY

Check-in will be at 8:30 a.m. the first morning of the workshop. Please plan to stay through the final evening until approximately 7pm.

The schedule is subject to change but generally begins at 7:00 AM (after registration day) and can run until 7:00PM in the evening. We really try to maximize the time to cover as much material as possible in a short amount of time. Please be responsible and manage your own energy—the days can be long but you are welcome to rest and observe and take as many breaks as needed.

We have plenty of restaurants and grocery stores nearby and a kitchen on-site for storage and cooking.

There is no additional charge to bring your own tent and camp at CalEarth for multi-day workshops-- We do not provide bedding, mats or any manner of camping equipment. Although it can be moderate to fairly warm during the day, temperatures tend to drop considerably at night in the high desert as low as the mid-thirties to freezing. Please bring extra warm stuff for nighttime sleeping.

Please be self-sufficient, realistic, and plan properly. There is a community kitchen (with refrigerator, stove, toaster, pots, pans, dishes, etc.) and 3 bathrooms with showers available to you during your stay. Camping must be arranged in advanced. If this is not what you had in mind, please secure off site accommodations- there are many hotels and AirBnb options within a few miles of the institute.  

WHAT TO PACK

  • Work boots/shoes: Closed toe shoes or boots are MANDATORY for the hands-on portion of the workshop. We recommend more of a work boot or hiking boot/sneaker that can resist rough terrain and has a non-slip sole. Sandals are not permitted during the hands-on sessions.
  • Long pants: Jeans (denim) are recommended for pants (rather than modern lightweight synthetic fabric or athletic wear). Denim resists tears from barbed wire much better than synthetic fabrics and offers more protection for your skin.
  • Gloves: Please bring leather gloves as well as a pair of rubber gloves for wet work. The less expensive leather gloves (generally under $5.00) offer the best protection for your hands. They also make working with barbed wire much easier. We suggest avoiding more refined leather, as well as any "hi-tech" looking or synthetic fabric gloves because they are ineffective. Rubber gloves are for plaster application and should also be thick and strong. These gloves are sometimes labeled as "chemical resistant". Dish washing gloves will tear while plastering and are not recommended.
  • Hat/ bandana/sunscreen/lip balm: for sun protection
  • Long sleeve shirts: breathable material is helpful, as is a shirt with a collar (think various amounts of sun/wind protection). CalEarth is located in the high desert of southern California. We can have great fluctuations in weather. During the winter months, it can be as cold as 20 degrees F with snow and in the summer months, we can have temperatures of 105 degrees F or more. And no matter what time of the year, there is generally quite a significant drop in temperature by nightfall. Additionally, be aware that it is also quite windy in the high desert. Bring layered clothing to address weather fluctuations.
  • Refillable water bottle, energy snacks and drinks (filtered tap water is available on site). We have many stores nearby, you can purchase these upon arrival if needed.
  • Notepad: We provide a small folder with paper, but feel free to bring a notepad
  • Internet: Wifi is available in certain parts of the site if you need to connect a tablet

TRANSPORTATION

There are 2 airports to choose from for your arrival to the CalEarth Workshop: Ontario Airport (ONT) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

For those who are traveling domestically, we strongly recommend that you fly into the Ontario Airport if possible. Travel time from LAX to CalEarth is approximately 2 hours. However, travel time from the Ontario Airport to CalEarth is approximately 35 minutes.

You will see several car rental options at the airport. For your convenience, we suggest that you make these arrangements prior to your arrival.

With regard to cold temperatures there are a variety of approaches which can be employed so as to maximize the heat energy used to make the building comfortable and then to retain that heat energy — regardless of the source of that energy — once captured in the walls and mass of the building.

Super Shuttle: http://www.supershuttle.com

Prime Time Shuttle: http://www.primetimeshuttle.com

Ride Fly: http://rideflyreservations.com/

You can take the Greyhound Bus from the Los Angeles downtown terminal (1716 East 7th St.) to the Victorville terminal (16838 D St, Victorville, CA) 1-800-231-2222. http://www.greyhound.com. Please note, you will have to take a cab, Uber or Lyft from LAX to the Los Angeles downtown Greyhound station and from the Victorville bus station to CalEarth.

The Amtrak Southwest Chief line runs from Los Angeles Union Station to Victorville. Currently, it is consistently scheduled to leave L.A. at 6:15 p.m. and arrive in Victorville at 9:10 p.m. For purchasing information contact Amtrak: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or TDD/TTY (1-800-523-6590), http://www.amtrak.com. Upon your arrival at the Victorville train station, we suggest you take a cab, Uber or Lyft to the CalEarth campus.

Our site address is: 10177 Baldy Lane Hesperia, CA 92345

We are off the 15 freeway (Main Street Exit) in Hesperia. Google/Apple maps will give you accurate directions to CalEarth from your location. When you arrive and one of the team members will show you where to park and store your belongings.

POLICIES

If for any reason you are unable to attend the workshop you registered for, your tuition will be refunded (minus a $100 registration fee) or can be applied to another course within 12 months if you notify CalEarth at least two weeks before the start of a course. Any cancellations within two weeks of the workshop will not be refunded.

Can't Find Your Question?

We're happy to answer any comments, questions or concerns you have. Just ask!