California Naturalist
In this 40-hour course, participants meet to explore Pepperwood and learn about different natural history topics. Each session includes time in the classroom as well as time in the field. Participants will learn about Sonoma County’s natural ecosystems with Pepperwood staff and other local experts in hydrology, soil science, mammalogy, ecology, ornithology, and geology. Those completing the 40-hour course along with their capstone project will receive their California Naturalist Certification through the UC certification program.
Participation in the California Naturalist course at Pepperwood also serves as one pathway to becoming a Pepperwood Steward. Our Stewards are a special team of dedicated volunteers who support Pepperwood’s work through regular involvement in our classes & events, stewardship workdays, and community/citizen science.
You can learn more about the certification program on the California Naturalist program page here via UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
For general questions about our California Naturalist course at Pepperwood, you can contact program facilitator Summer Swallow at sswallow@pepperwoodpreserve.
For questions related to course registration please contact Education Program Coordinator, Holland Gistelli at hgistelli@pepperwoodpreserve.