California Naturalists
The next California Naturalist course will be offered in Spring 2024.
Registration Opens on January 1, 2024 for Museum members and January 8, 2024 for the general public.
California Naturalist Course Syllabus
Course Overview
The California Naturalist course will introduce you to the wonders of our local ecology and engage you in the stewardship of California’s natural communities. The course will combine a science curriculum with guest lecturers, field trips, and project-based learning to immerse you in the natural world of Monterey County.
Course Format
The class will meet from 6:00-8:00 each Wednesday evening online and every other Saturday in-person at a different field site in Monterey County. The online classes involve guest speakers as well as group and individual work. Field trips involve hands-on learning in the field with a guest expert. Students will also participate in a group capstone project and will take part in at least one community science project.
Cost
Tuition is $450. PGMNH Member receive a 10% discount. PGMNH volunteers and staff from partner organizations receive a 20% discount. We have a limited number of 50% discount scholarships for professionals working in environmental education or interpretation in the first 2 years of their career. For information on discounts and scholarships, contact education@pgmuseum.org.
Cancellation Policy
Registrants may cancel up to two weeks before the first day of instruction for a full refund, minus a $20 administrative fee. Registrants that cancel in the period two weeks of the beginning of instruction, up to 1 week after instruction has begun may re-enroll in the following year's course at a 50% discounted rate, with priority for early registration. Cancellation at any other time will not result in a refund.
Climate Stewards Course is Cancelled for Fall 2023
The next Climate Stewards course will be offered fall 2024 with registration opening mid-summer 2024.
PROGRAM GOALS
Increase access to up-to-date and locally relevant climate science to improve climate literacy through a UC certification course for the public.
Establish a community of practice focused on stewardship, communication, and community solutions to advance resiliency.
Build statewide support for and capacity to effectively advance state and local climate goals.
COURSE CONTENT
The 10-week course combines online, asynchronous, and field experiences in earth systems, water, energy and agriculture; as well as communication training, community science, and community service opportunities. Students participate in 40 hours of classroom/field instruction with local climate experts, and approximately 20 hours of asynchronous learning outside of class. After certification, UC Climate Stewards will be encouraged to volunteer in activities ranging from community and citizen science, land and water stewardship, civic engagement, and education and interpretation activities.
The training will include an overview of state and local climate policies so that Climate Stewards is a catalyst for public participation in California’s climate change initiatives.