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TeenNat

Where Teens Contribute to Conservation Science & Field Research

Imagine spending your summer in the forests and grasslands of Pepperwood helping scientists better understand our local ecosystem. Picture kneeling in the grass to take a great photo of a sparkling blue beetle.

Every summer this is how TeenNat participants do real on-the-ground science at Pepperwood. Through TeenNat, teenagers find an opportunity to engage with nature and learn from experts about how they can make a difference in the world around them. TeenNat is an award-winning evidence-based program to prepare teens to take their place among those striving to conserve, protect and enhance our natural world. Most importantly, TeenNat participants learn how to apply scientific inquiry and observation of the natural world to their own interests – making science less theoretical and more personal.

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Pepperwood’s nationally recognized TeenNat summer program gets teens outdoors and introduces them to the world of conservation science.

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TeenNat 2026 Information

This FREE program at Pepperwood is an opportunity for teens to engage in science and art while exploring a 3,200 acre nature reserve. Participants will gain skills in hiking safety, data collection, using field guides to identify plants and animals, and navigating using maps. We will visit unique places across the reserve including ponds, beautiful vistas, oak woodlands, and grasslands. Participants will work with Pepperwood scientists and will meet professionals in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) careers. At the completion of the program, participants will have created a biodiversity project that may be shared with the Pepperwood community.

We are hosting one 5-week session of TeenNat this summer:

June 23 through July 23, 2026

The program meets three days per week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. 

Questions? Email us at TeenNat@PepperwoodPreserve.org. We speak English and Spanish. Se habla español e ingles.

Qualifications: 

Currently in grade 9, 10, or 11 (at time of application). Able to commit to the entire 5-week program session. Responsible for being prepared each day. Maintain a mature and professional attitude. Flexible, communicative, team-player, passionate about the environment. Safety awareness for self, others, plants and animals. Basic computer skills recommended. Willingness to explore outside in hot weather. 

You do not have to be in peak physical condition to participate in TeenNat. During the program, you can expect basic physical requirements to include spending extended amounts of time outside in the sun, walking throughout the day on uneven terrain (hillsides, gravel roads, trails with roots and rocks), sitting on the ground, carrying a backpack with your journal, water, and lunch, and riding in a van on curvy roads.  Reasonable accommodations can be made if requested in advance. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns: TeenNat@PepperwoodPreserve.org or 707.591.9310 x123

Please note: This is a day program and no housing is provided. If accepted, you will need to have a way to get to Pepperwood Preserve in Santa Rosa for each program day. Please consider this important detail when applying. We help coordinate carpools for local students in Sonoma and Napa counties to support transportation needs.

 

Benefits:

Gain field science experience for your resume and/or college applications. Work with professional scientists and environmental educators as mentors. Make new friends and connections. Earn up to 55 hours of community service. Earn an REI gift certificate at the completion of the program. Option to earn college credit through Santa Rosa Junior College: click here for instructions how. TeenNat Alum also enjoy exclusive access to special events, volunteer opportunities and discounts on Pepperwood classes.

How to Apply

TeenNat is made possible by the generous support of our donors. There is no charge to participate. Teens currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply.

We are now accepting applications for TeenNat 2026! To apply, complete the form at the button below.

Please fill out all questions to the best of your ability. Completing this application does not guarantee your participation in TeenNat, as space is limited for this free program. Applications close on Friday, March 13, 2026. Applications received by February 16 are eligible for early acceptance! All applicants will be notified of their application status by March 27, 2026.

TeenNat Flyer

For questions or issues with the application process, please email TeenNat@PepperwoodPreserve.org. We speak English and Spanish. Se habla español e ingles.

Are you a TeenNat Alum who wants to join our team this summer? 

Apply now for a Summer Education Assistant position! 

Our Summer Education Assistants (SEAs) help the Pepperwood Education staff run the TeenNat program activities each day, and serve as mentors for the new cohort of "TeenNatters". This is a great seasonal summer employment opportunity to grow your leadership skills, and build out your resume of experiences. Open to people who are at least 18 years old and have completed the TeenNat program in years past.

Click here to learn more!

Above: TeenNat participants pose while exploring the landscape of Pepperwood (photo by Julianne Bradbury)

Upstream-Investments-3

Inclusion in the Upstream Investment Portfolio

TeenNat was endorsed by Sonoma County's Upstream Investments Portfolio! The Portfolio is a select collection of local, evidence-based programs proven to help eliminate poverty in Sonoma County and ensure equal opportunity for quality education.

Making an Impact with Data that Matters

TeenNat participants gain valuable, real-world experience in conservation science. They are trained to document plant and animal species and their locations via expeditions on the reserve. The teens learn how to manage visual, written, and geographical data as they share, verify, and upload their observations to iNaturalist.org, a worldwide database used by researchers and the scientific community. Each year, TeenNat participants contribute critical data to Pepperwood's science projects.

Above: A day in the field during TeenNat, identifying species found under coverboards. 

Ongoing Mentorship

Upon completion of the summer program, TeenNat Alumni can elect to be part of the TeenNat Leadership program. TeenNat Leaders commit to a greater level of service by continuing to gather biodiversity data, assisting new cohorts of TeenNat, participating in other community science initiatives, serving as volunteers at Pepperwood events, and writing about their experiences. They take part in other Pepperwood events and classes, and special TeenNat alumni events.

Above: TeenNat Alums explore the reserve during our Winter TeenNat reunion event.