The mission of the California Naturalist Program is to foster a diverse community of naturalists and promote stewardship of California's natural resources through education and service.

The California Naturalist Program is a new program designed to introduce Californians to the wonders of our unique ecology and engage volunteers in stewardship and study of California’s natural communities. California is a beautiful state with a breathtaking diversity of natural communities, from the granite spires of Yosemite, to the wildflowers of Anza Borrego desert, from the rolling oak woodlands of the inland valleys to the tide pools of the Pacific Coast. How do we support this amazing diversity and balance ecological needs with those of the human community? This is a challenge for all Californians so it is vital that the state’s naturalists embody the diversity of people living here.

The California Naturalist program uses a science curriculum, hands-on learning, problem-solving, and community service to instill a deep appreciation for the natural communities of the state and to inspire individuals to become stewards of their local resources. Class content includes basic ecology, watershed concepts, air quality, energy resources and global thinking, land use, geology, wildlife, and global environmental issues, as well as tools for collaborative conservation and communication. California Naturalist Volunteers complete 40 hours of combined classroom and field training and a recommended 40 hours of volunteer service.

Current News

Two new CA Naturalist Summer 2013 Residency courses added!

Occidental Arts & Ecology Center
UC Berkeley Sagehen Creek Field Station

Is your institution interested in partnering with the California Naturalist program? Join a free, one-hour informational webinar on Thursday, May 30, 2013; 10AM. CA Naturalist directors and staff will provide an overview of the program, review program milestones, and answer any questions potential partnering organizations may have. Please RSVP to canaturalist@ucanr.edu or (707) 744-1424 x104. Connection information will be sent to you and posted here.

Check out these upcoming advanced plant ID trainings with California Naturalist at the Hopland Research & Extension Center:
Introduction to Grasses – May 24
Wetland Plants - June 7
Identification of California Oaks – October 4
Download the Class Flier

The California Naturalist Handbook is Out!
Certified California Naturalists or those enrolled in a training course receive 20% off from the publisher, University of California Press. Read reviews, preview and purchase the Handbook here.