The California Naturalist Program

University of California’s California Naturalist Program seeks to create a committed corps of volunteer naturalists and citizen scientists trained and ready to take an active role in natural resource conservation, education,... [ view full abstract ]

University of California’s California Naturalist Program seeks to create a committed corps of volunteer naturalists and citizen scientists trained and ready to take an active role in natural resource conservation, education, and stewardship. Throughout the nation, Master Naturalist programs and citizen science projects have both been shown to increase volunteers’ ecological knowledge, understanding of science, and environment-related behaviors. In California, we partner with local formal and informal science organizations to offer 40+ hour certification course. Our partners use a core science curriculum called the California Naturalist Handbook (published by UC Press) that addresses basic natural history of California as well as classical and modern techniques for recording and communicating observations of nature. We are currently developing advanced peer-reviewed curricula in subjects such as the ecology of specific bioregions, near shore systems and the California Current, and urban ecology. Our highly interactive program includes experiential and classroom learning, communication training, community service, and post-certificate advanced learning opportunities to engage participants. Outcomes include increased scientific literacy and critical observational, analysis, interpretation skills, increased engagement in different types of volunteer opportunities, and a vibrant community of practice with which to keep learning and sharing skills. To date, we have partnered with 23 organizations to certify over 650 Naturalists, who have volunteered over 17,000 hours of service in the areas of program support, education and interpretation, scientific monitoring, and land stewardship.