Since 2012, this course has used education and service to inspire and empower individuals to create more resilient communities and ecosystems by becoming a certified California Naturalist. 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.

Program Goals

To promote environmental literacy and stewardship of California’s natural resources

To increase participation in resource conservation and community 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 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 One-Week Adult Immersion Course includes 40 hours of classroom and field courses during a residential week at the Field Station. The 2026 program dates are Saturday, June 21st to Sunday, June 27th.

Fees

The program costs $990 and includes all classes, food, and lodging at Sagehen Field Station.

Housing Options

Shared cabins are available for course participants. There are no private rooms at the field station, but 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.

More information

Getting to Sagehen, what to pack, FAQs

Learn more about the California Naturalist program

An article about the program

Sagehen’s California Naturalist project on iNaturalist

Questions?

Contact the Course Coordinator: Lynn Hori (email: lynnhori@gmail.com)