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’re reconnecting with a lifelong love of nature or just beginning to explore your curiosity about the natural world, 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.
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.
Designed to accommodate people with busy schedules
To accommodate full-time work schedules, the course includes weeknight online sessions and weekend field trips. We also offer one optional make-up field trip to support those with prior commitments.
While completing all course requirements is necessary for certification, we strive to be flexible and creative in helping participants succeed.
To reduce barriers to participation, we offer free, camping-style overnight accommodations during field weekends and provide full or partial scholarships to anyone who needs financial support.
Who should apply
This course is an open invitation to all, especially encouraging participation from historically underrepresented communities. Whether you’re a beginner, family, educator, or simply have a sparkling curiosity, your involvement will pave the way for fostering inclusivity in outdoor spaces.
Each year, we receive dozens of applications. In our selection process, we prioritize applicants who:
- Commit to attending the full duration of the program
- Clearly express how they plan to share what they learn with their community or in their professional realm
- Have limited prior experience with naturalist programs
- Demonstrate a strong interest in contributing to a diverse and inclusive learning community.
“I was so hesitant in taking a ‘Naturalist course.’ I just knew what it would look like, and I didn’t want to be ‘the only one.’ I was pleasantly surprised. Folks in their 20s and 30s, and the majority were from underrepresented communities—a far cry from what traditional courses like this look like.
“The intentionality with this class was obvious from the beginning. We were not bound by ‘textbook’ talk. It was expected that we would come with our authentic selves, and we did. We were open and honest in our conversations around social expectations in this work, and everyone spoke from their experiences. The conversations brought tears and laughter. And for me, that’s how we create change—by bringing different backgrounds together and working through the process.
“Right now, we need more people at the table who care about this planet, and this group that I’ve spent the last five months with—I promise you they will make a positive, lasting effect on Mother Earth.” — Teresa Baker, Cal Nat Class of 2025
Course objectives
Develop foundational knowledge in California’s ecosystems, native plants, wildlife, and natural history. Equip participants with the skills to observe, identify, and document the natural world. Encourage participants to explore their personal connection to nature and how it intersects with their culture, community, and lived experiences. Foster inclusive, respectful discussions that honor the diverse perspectives and cultural knowledge within the group. Train participants to become environmental stewards who can engage in citizen science, community education, and advocacy.
Course structure
Flexible learning — a mix of in-person and online sessions. Online classes are held over Zoom each Thursday from 5:30-8 p.m. We may end early on some days. Field trips will have different start and end times and meeting locations, but they will all be full-day events. We will share more detailed information with those awarded a space in the class.
Field trips and outdoor experiences
Participants will explore local parks, nature preserves, and urban green spaces through both guided hikes and self-guided activities.
Accessibility
Each of our field trips are to different locations with different accessibility considerations. We are often standing or walking for 3-4 miles with limited access to bathrooms. If you have accessibility concerns, please email vsouza@allhandsecology.org
Volunteer requirements
This course requires the completion of 8 hours of a community stewardship project before you earn your certification. We are happy to help you find opportunities that align with your interests throughout the course.
Required course materials
- California Naturalist Handbook
- Nature Journal
- Computer with a working camera and microphone
- Strong Internet Access
- Reliable Transportation to field trips
Scholarship / fee waiver
Full or partial fee waivers, as well as payment plans, are provided based on need and upon request.
