Enjoy the charm of Chico during your stay, and explore local nature on a field trip. Seen here, sunset at Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. Photo: Jessica Bartlett/University Photographer.
Learn with us at CSU Chico and Online, Oct. 25-28, 2023
We will be updating this page with information on the CSU Chico meeting space and the surrounding area, as well as instructions for using the event app to enhance your in person experience or to stream sessions remotely. Click on a question to “jump” to the linked answer on this page. (Answers are still being updated – check back as we fill them in!)
How do I register?
What are the group expectations for this event?
What are the COVID guidelines?
How do I attend virtually?
Why Chico?
Where should I stay in Chico?
Can I share a ride or a room?
Can I see a map of the area in advance?
Where do I park?
Where should I eat?
What is the dress code?
What is the weather?
How do I get my DPR CEU credits?
How do I get ISA (arborist) CEU credits?
How do I join a field trip and what should I expect?
Will the presentations be available online?
How do I get Cal-IPC t-shirts or hats?
How do I participate in the Raffle?
How do I participate in the Photo Contest?
How do I support Cal-IPC’s amazing work?
What is the refund policy?
How do I provide feedback?
How do I get help?
How do I register?
With a hybrid event, we have two ways to join, and that means two ways to register. Join us in person at CSU Chico or join us Virtually through an online streaming app. Read more about the event and registration prices here. Ready to sign up?
What are the group expectations for this event?
Cal-IPC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are promoting a Symposium environment (both in-person and online) that is welcoming, safe, collaborative, supportive, and productive for all attendees. We value our diverse perspectives, expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and life experiences, and understand that this collective diversity is essential to meeting our mission and to this event. It is expected that we all uphold this commitment by practicing the following:
- Treat everyone with respect and consideration (including using pronouns if indicated on nametag or user profile). Communicate openly and thoughtfully and be considerate and curious of multiple views and opinions that may differ from our own.
- Acknowledge our intentions. Take responsibility and address the impact of our words and actions.
- Be mindful of our fellow participants. Alert Cal-IPC staff if we notice a potentially troubling or dangerous situation, someone in distress, or unacceptable behavior.
What are the COVID guidelines?
The CSU Chico campus does not have masking requirements, although masks are always welcome. Please mask at your own comfort level, and consider attending remotely if you are at significant risk. Remember to wash hands thoroughly and stay home if you are sick or showing symptoms. The buildings have HVAC systems running at all times, so we are instructed not to prop open doors or windows. Note that the main auditorium is in the process of upgrading to the MERV 13 filtration system.
How do I attend virtually?
First, register as a virtual attendee. The email you used to register will also be your email to access the virtual platform.
Why Chico?
Chico is a small but vibrant town with a historic downtown, a thriving microbrew scene, and a growing food scene. Chico was also rated the #1 Cycling community in America by Bicycling Magazine (1997). Our Symposium will be held at California State University, Chico, just northwest of the City Plaza.
Natural beauty surrounds the campus. Butte County sits at the juncture of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges. Bidwell Creek carves a path down through volcanic substrate before meandering through town, past the historic Bidwell Mansion. Chico is most famous as the home of one of the largest municipal parks in the nation, Bidwell Park. The park contains numerous amenities, as well as the Chico Creek Nature Center, Bidwell Park Golf Course, Sycamore Pool and several hiking, biking, and walking trails. South of the city is the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve, a 93-acre site along a section of Butte Creek. The Camp Fire in nearby Paradise in 2018 was one of the deadliest fires in modern state history.
Where should I stay in Chico?
We reserved discount room blocks with several hotels close to campus, giving you options for your stay. Reserved blocks have been released, and rooms are now available on a first-come first-served basis.
Click on links in the hotel name or price to see hotel websites and use designated promo codes. Room rates below do not include applicable state and local taxes and fees. Special fees may apply, including parking, additional guest rates, in-room wifi rates, and other fees.
Walking Distance to Campus
Historic charm or business-class efficiency, Chico offers many options! Top: Hotel Diamond, center: Quality Inn, bottom: DoubleTree by Hilton.
Hotel Diamond (0.3 miles)
This historic hotel, known as the “jewel of Chico,” features charming luxury suites in the heart of downtown.
220 West 4th Street
Rooms start at $159/night
Online Promo Code: calipc23
Hotel phone: (530) 893-3103 and reference California Invasive Plant Council
Quality Inn (0.6 miles)
Basic discount motel chain in downtown Chico, with outdoor pool and free parking.
715 Main Street
Rooms start at $134
No promo code needed. First come, first served
Hotel phone: (530) 924-0894
Driving Distance to Campus
Doubletree by Hilton (2.2 miles) – Unique link provides access to discounts, see below
685 Manzanita Court
Limited rooms available at $98/night
Select rooms available at $139/night
Hotel phone: (530) 345-2491
Oxford Suites (3 miles) – Unique link provides access to discount
2035 Business Lane
Rooms start at $90/night, hotel shuttle available upon request
Hotel phone: (530) 899-9090 and reference California Invasive Plant Council
Holiday Inn Express (3.2 miles) – Unique link provides access to discount
2074 E 20th Street
Rooms start at $90/night
Hotel Phone: (530) 891-0100 and reference California Invasive Plant Council
Can I share a ride or a room?
We have posted a Google document as a bulletin board for coordinating ride shares and room shares. If you need a ride or a room, or if you have a ride or room to offer, please view the Google Ride & Room Share bulletin doc. This is an unmonitored board, so please read all disclaimers and use caution.
Can I see a map of the area in advance?
Absolutely! Here is a Google Map showing the area, our discounted hotels and field trip locations.
Below, please find two maps for our event. The first map has parking information and a QR code for reduced rate parking, as well as location markers for meeting sites. The second map is a detailed view of our two main meeting locations, Colusa Hall and Bell Memorial Union (BMU).
Where do I park?
- Park at one of two lots: Enter either on CHESTNUT STREET (298 Chestnut Street) or CHERRY STREET (114 Cherry Street).
- Use a spot marked for either General (G) or Faculty-Staff (FS)
- MAKE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR LICENSE PLATE NUMBER. You may want to take a picture of it in case you are liable to forget or mix up numbers. Regulation is based on plate number.
- Come to the Registration table (Colusa Hall Wed, or BMU Lobby Thurs/Fri) and we will have the QR code on the table, ready for you to scan, for discounted parking!
- Pay for a daily parking rate, each weekday. No need to pay for Saturday. The code will also be printed in the program so you can streamline the process when you return.
Questions? Contact us at symposium@cal-ipc.org.
Explore the CSU Chico interactive parking map and find “Visitor Parking” which includes both campus and city lots.
Where should I eat?
Cal-IPC is providing breakfast and coffee breaks Thursday and Friday. And don’t forget to join the Awards Luncheon Friday, where we celebrate our winners! Attendees to the Thursday Career Panel for Students and Early Professionals will also be served a pizza meal (free entry, but advanced registration required). For other meals, check out the many options near campus.
What is the dress code?
Wear what makes you comfortable! As folks who mostly work outdoors, we’re a pretty casual crowd. A t-shirt or nice top and jeans are the usual attire. Some folks like to dress up a little for the Thursday evening events, including the “Poster & Exhibitor Session” and “Reception & Raffle Hour.” It’s your call!
What is the weather?
The average temperature in Chico in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 81°F (27°C) to a low of 54°F (12°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.
How do I get my DPR CEU credits?
Licensed herbicide applicators can receive continuing education credits for many Symposium sessions. To get credit, be sure to sign up for DPR CEUs with your registration. There is an additional fee to cover staff time processing. ($50 In-person, and $25 Virtual)
We have applied for continuing education units from the California Dept. of Pesticide Regulation. For In-Person attendees, we are applying for 2 units fulfilling Herbicide Laws & Regulations, as well as 12-13.5 hours of “other” units. Workshops and Field Trips often fulfill several hours of “other” units, but available spots fill up quickly. For Virtual attendees, we are applying for the 9 hours of “other” units. The Program is being updated with all qualifying sessions as we get final approval.
At CSU Chico:
Check in and out at the DPR table in the Colusa Hall Rotunda (Wed) or BMU foyer (Thurs/Fri) to sign attendance sheets and to pick up and return Scantron forms. Per new DPR protocols, you MUST sign-in at the door to concurrent sessions to receive credit. Please also take a Verification of Attendance form for your records each day. Sessions that qualify for credit are being marked on the Program under the track “INDPR” as we get full approval from DPR.
Virtually: In order to receive DPR-CEU credit, you must attend the full session live at the time it is posted, click on the fraud quiz at the beginning of the session, during the session, AND take the quiz questions posted at the end of the session. Enter your name and your valid QAC/QAL/PCA ID number in the quiz. The quiz will only be available at the end of each live session Sessions that qualify for credit will be marked on the Program under the track “V-DPR” as we get full approval from DPR.
Find more detailed information on our DPR Credits page.
How do I get ISA (arborist) CEU credits?
We will be marking appropriate sessions on the program. Instructions will be posted here as they are available.
How do I join a field trip and what should I expect?
Sign up for a field trip when you register for the In-Person Symposium at CSU Chico and pay the appropriate fee.
- Oroville Wildlife Area (Full day, 9 am – 5 pm, $50 fee includes lunch) Max attendees 35.
- Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (Half day, 9 am – 1 pm, $25 fee) Max attendees 30.
- Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park (Half day, 9 am – 1 pm, $25 fee) Max attendees 30.
- CA State Parks (Half day, 9 am – 1 pm, $25 fee) Maximum attendees 30.
Field trips have limited capacity, and fill up fast, so sign up early! Find more details about each field trip here.
Prior to the Symposium, Field Trip Attendees will get a confirmation email with more details about their specific trip. At the Symposium, there will be a short meeting for Field Trip Attendees on Friday night, Oct. 27, at 5pm. We will be checking in to meet our tour leaders, get clear on logistics, and to make sure we have enough drivers to carpool.
Expect to explore some projects and learn about successes, challenges, and insights. Come prepared for hiking in changeable weather. Wear closed-toe shoes, a sun hat, and layers. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks. The full-day field trip includes lunch, but half-day field trips do not include food.
We will be carpooling to and from field trip locations. Please volunteer to drive if you can! Drivers will need to sign additional waivers and share their cell phones with trip leaders to make sure we can communicate if our convoy gets separated.
Will the presentations be available online?
Yes! Attendees to the Symposium will be able to see recordings in the Webex App under each session on the Program, about 15 minutes after the session ends. After the event is over, we will download the videos and post them to the Cal-IPC Symposium Archive online.
Attendees to the Symposium will be able to view available PowerPoint presentations as attachments to each session on the Program, along with the Abstracts. The presentations will also be added to the online archive after the event is over.
How do I get Cal-IPC t-shirts or hats?
Find them at the online store now! To keep costs down, items are printed in batches. Check the website for batch delivery information.
How do I participate in the Raffle?
Attendees at the In-Person Symposium at CSU Chico can purchase tickets from the Registration table or Cal-IPC Membership table in the BMU Auditorium. Join the fun and bid on items during the Reception and Raffle Hour on Thursday, Oct. 26, 5:30-7:00 pm in Colusa Hall. During the event, volunteers will be available to sell tickets. Plan ahead by bringing return address labels for your ticket stubs!
Our Board members have been working hard to find great donations – we’re going for quality over quantity! No further donations will be accepted at the door.
The Raffle is ending with Live Draw. Ticket holders must be present to win. (Can’t stay until 7pm? Leave your tickets with a friend.) See what’s in store! Take a peek at the Raffle page.
How do I participate in the Photo Contest?
Anyone can enter! Anyone can vote! Your photos may be used in future Cal-IPC outreach materials such as our website, brochures, campaigns, or reports (with photographer credit, of course). Simply fill out the online form by Sept. 14 to submit your photos.
Come back to vote, Sept. 15-Oct. 26. All votes will be tallied online, and winners will be announced the final day of the Symposium, Oct. 27.
How do I support Cal-IPC’s amazing work?
We’re so glad you asked!
Members are the backbone of Cal-IPC. Your membership support makes our work possible: education, advocacy, science-based tools, and so much more!
To invest in our future, your donation of any amount makes a difference. Consider a donation, or better yet, include us in your estate plans and create a legacy for the next generation.
Or donate your time and energy as a member of the Cal-IPC Board! Our hard-working board is always ready to welcome new talent. Contact Cal-IPC Board Member Amanda Swanson to learn more.
What is the refund policy?
Please purchase carefully. No refunds.
How do I provide feedback?
Take our survey! Your feedback helps us improve the event for next year. When the event is over a link will be shared with all participants.
How do I get help?
Get in touch with us! Email us at symposium@cal-ipc.org.
Return to the Symposium Landing Page
