Sagehen California Naturalist Program
2020 & 2021 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
“University of California Cooperative Extension developed California Naturalist to 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.”
Aspiring Naturalists enroll in a 40-hour course that combines classroom and field experience in science, problem-solving, communication training and community service. Class and field sessions are taught by local experts in the fields of: ecology, geology, plants, animals, climate, global environmental issues, energy, water, forests, and interpretation. Participants gain knowledge about the unique natural history of California with a focus on the Northern Sierras and Lake Tahoe Basin.
Collaborators include: UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC); Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS); Sugar Pine Foundation; UC Cooperative Extension Central Sierra; League to Save Lake Tahoe; Sierra Watershed Education Partnership (SWEP), and others.
Program Goals
- To promote environmental literacy and stewardship of California’s natural resources
- To increase participation in resource conservation and citizen science projects throughout the state
- To develop a core constituency of committed and educated citizens willing and able to participate in resource conservation, preservation, and restoration efforts
- To provide participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to educate others and participate in many aspects of resource management, such as public education, resource planning and public decision-making
- To provide the communication experience and critical thinking skills necessary to grow a citizen base that supports environmental protection and sustainable growth in California
- To support partner organizations as they implement the program
Benefits to the Participant
- A new appreciation for and knowledge of California’s unique ecology and natural history
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
- New skills for volunteer and professional enrichment
- Special knowledge of and access to local resources, ecology and natural areas
- Access to new venues for creative and hobby activities such as bird watching, sketching, photography, etc.
- Fellowship from other California Naturalist participants throughout the state
- The excitement of being part of the venerable tradition of naturalists throughout history and an innovative new program for natural resource stewardship.
Course Format
This summer, Sagehen will offer our California Naturalist training as a One-Week Adult Immersion Course: a residential week at the Field Station.
- See sample (past) syllabus here.
Course Fee & Registration
$1200*. Includes station accommodations, meals, course instruction, graduation certificate and pin, registration with California Naturalist, and website support.
Contact the Course Coordinator for a current registration form. Please pay by check to reserve your place and begin receiving pre-course communications.
We will hold your check until the course go/no go date after which–if you prefer–we can tear up your check and charge a credit card instead. After that date, there are no refunds. Make checks payable to “UC Regents” and mail with completed registration form (including signed liability waiver and photo release) to the Course Instructor:
Sagehen Cal Nat | Andy Rost | 10427 Jeffrey Way | Truckee, CA | 96161
* Early registration price. For registrations occurring after 30-days out, there is an additional $50 fee. For a small additional fee, 4 Continuing Education Units/Credits (CEUs) are available through UC Davis Extension to teachers and undergraduate students who successfully complete the course.
Other Housing Options
There are no private rooms at the field station, but course participants may bring a tent and camp on site if preferred. There is no discount for camping, since you will still be using all other station facilities. Course participants may not cook for themselves, nor opt out of catering. Please note dietary preferences on the registration form. Hotels in nearby Truckee, CA are an option for participants who require more amenities, but travel time of at least 1/2-hour each way will take away from valuable informal networking and field experience, not to mention sleep. The course consists of very full days and summer road work delays are always a factor, so we discourage this option.
Pack list
In addition to course materials described below, see our list of what you need to bring for your stay at Sagehen.
Course Textbook and Other Required Materials
Students need to purchase a field journal and the course text: The California Naturalist Handbook (30% discount code here). Please complete pre-course reading assignments: there will not be enough free time during the course to catch up from behind! Students should bring their textbook and field journal to every class and field trip session. Please bring your smartphone with the iNaturalist app installed and activated with your account. Participants may also find a small 10x hand lens and binoculars useful, but they are not required.