Saturday, September 12 to Saturday, October 17 • 9 AM-5 PM
$960.70
The California Naturalist Program at Point Reyes is a Saturday field-based lecture series provided in partnership between the University of California Environmental Stewards programs and the Point Reyes National Seashore Association. The mission of the program is to foster a diverse community of naturalists and promote stewardship of California's natural resources through education and service.
Over the course of five separate Saturdays between Sept 12 - Oct 17 (2026), students will experience Point Reyes National Seashore in ways the casual visitor cannot, working in areas less traveled alongside some of California's most knowledgeable naturalists. Experience the richness and biodiversity that Point Reyes has to offer. Exact dates are listed below.
Graduates of this program will be ready to take an active role in resource conservation, education, and restoration. To receive your certification you will be required to attend at least 4 of the 5 field lectures, complete homework based on the reading, keep a personal nature journal, and undertake a final individual or group stewardship project. Graduates will receive an official California Naturalist Certification and are eligible for 4 academic credit units from UC Davis Extension (optional).
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for this program. Early career professionals, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, or those working/interested in the outdoor education or conservation fields are strongly encouraged to apply. Please complete this short online scholarship application by 5:00pm on Aug 3, 2026 for consideration. Scholarship offers will be announced the week of Aug 10, 2026. For questions, email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.
Class Dates (in-person, to be held at various locations in Point Reyes TBA)
9/12/26
9/19/26
9/26/26
10/3/26
(No Class 10/10/26)
10/17/26
Instructed by: