UC California Naturalist Program

The California Naturalist class will introduce you to the wonders of California’s unique ecology and engage you in the stewardship of our natural communities. This intensive certification program will utilize a combination of scientific curriculum, guest lecturers, field trips and project-based learning to immerse you in the natural world of the central coast.

Applications for 2024 are now CLOSED


 Program Goals:

  • Foster a committed corps of volunteer naturalists and citizen scientists trained and ready to take an active role in natural resource conservation, education, and restoration
  • Provide training, in collaboration with local sponsoring institutions, for adult environmental stewards through an adaptable outdoor and in-class curriculum which can be easily applied in a variety of settings
  • Engage adults in interactive learning which provides them with scientific literacy and critical thinking skills

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand what it means to be a naturalist
  • Integrate knowledge about the interconnectedness of abiotic, biotic and cultural factors and their influence on the natural history of the central coast
  • Demonstrate skills in making and recording natural history observations in a field notebook
  • Apply knowledge of central coast ecosystems to local and global environmental issues.
  • Meet all of the course requirements

Program Dates and Fee:

  • The Annual Program will be held March 30 through June 8, 2024
  • The Class Fee is $500 (scholarship funds may be available for some)
Want to support others?
DONATE TO THE CNP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

To directly support CNP and students needing financial assistance, please consider donating to the Arboretum California Naturalist Program. 

Questions?

Contact a host for the Arboretum's 2024 California Naturalist Program, Linda Anderson or Joel Mckelvey.


 

Scroll down to view the 2024 Schedule of Lectures and Field Trips

or view a pdf version of the 2024 Schedule here.

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woods walk
lending a hand

 

Course Requirements

Required Coursework

Materials

Books (Required)

  • California Naturalist Handbook   
    Available for purchase first day of class.
  • The Natural History of the UC Santa Cruz Campus  
    Available for purchase first day of class.

Book (Suggested)

  • The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America, by Sibley, D.A.
hand lens viewing

Supplies (Required)

  • Field Notebook (Sokkia mining transit, Moleskine watercolor or the equivalent)
  • Water proof ink pen or pencil, small plastic ruler.
  • Hand lens (at least 10x jewelers loop, magnifying glass) 

Supplies (Suggested)

  • Binoculars
  • Digital camera or smart phone

With much appreciation

We, the Arboretum staff, would like to give special thanks to CNP class organizers Linda Anderson and Joel Mckelvey who donate all of their time to coordinate CNP lectures, instructors and field trips for the annual Cal. Naturalist Program...with EXTRA thanks to Linda Anderson for the past 10+ years of running this popular and vitally important program.

Thank you to the many CNP instructors who have also donated time and expertise to the program, including Clive Bagshaw, Elizabeth Evans, Bruce Lyon, and Rick Flores. Thank you to all participating Professors and Instructors for sharing your love and expertise for the natural world - may we continue to learn about and appreciate it.  

See Also