The California Naturalist Program, developed by UC Cooperative Extension, trains volunteer naturalists and citizen scientists to support conservation, education, and restoration throughout California.
Sagehen was one of the program’s original beta-test sites, and we continue to collaborate with UCANR to pilot innovative course formats. Several of our certified California Naturalists now lead public engagement efforts at the station, including the annual BioBlitz.
Aspiring California Naturalists take part in a 40-hour course blending classroom learning with hands-on field experiences in science, communication, problem-solving, and community service. Sessions are led by local experts and cover topics such as ecology, geology, native plants and animals, climate change, water and energy systems, forest dynamics, and environmental interpretation.
Participants develop a deep understanding of California’s rich natural history, with a special focus on the Northern Sierra and Lake Tahoe Basin.
Sagehen’s course is supported by a network of valued collaborators, including the 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 more.
Program Goals
- Build environmental literacy and stewardship
- Boost participation in conservation and citizen science
- Cultivate a community of knowledgeable, engaged citizens
- Provide tools to educate, advocate, and support sustainable growth
- Support partners in expanding the program statewide
Benefits to the Participant
- A deeper understanding of California’s natural history
- Personal and professional growth
- Access to local experts and wild places
- Enrichment through hobbies like birding, sketching & photography
- Fellowship with a statewide network of Naturalists
- A role in the evolving tradition of naturalist leadership
Summer 2025: One-Week Immersion Course
This summer, Sagehen Creek Field Station will offer our California Naturalist training as a One-Week Immersion Course—June 15–21
Register Here!
Course Materials
To get the most out of your California Naturalist experience, please come prepared with a field journal, a copy of The California Naturalist Handbook (available with a 30% discount), and a smartphone with the iNaturalist app installed and your account activated.
Pre-course reading assignments are required, as there won’t be time during the week to catch up. Be sure to bring your handbook and field journal to every class and field session.
While not required, a 10x hand lens and a pair of binoculars may enhance your experience in the field.