Application Due by October 27, 2026 at 8 a.m.
Build core skills and nurture your curiosity about the natural world
The California Naturalist Certification Course is a welcoming, community-centered program designed to connect people from all backgrounds to California’s natural environments. Whether you already work in the outdoors, are a student building your résumé, are changing careers, or simply want to experience more joy in nature, this course is designed to be accessible and supportive for participants at all experience levels.
Our focus is on building core naturalist skills, nurturing curiosity, and strengthening relationships — with each other and the land. Rather than emphasizing the memorization of Latin names, we center storytelling, observation, and learning from both guest experts and the lived experiences of fellow participants. Together, we will build and respectful learning community, where multiple ways of knowing and experiencing the natural world are valued.
This course is especially designed for those who may not yet identify as naturalists. If you are already highly experienced and seeking advanced or technical training, a different program may be a better fit.
