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 27- Nov 1, 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 natural resource conservation, education, and restoration. To receive your certification, in addition to attending at least 4 of the 5 field lectures, you will be asked to 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 credit units from UC Davis Extension.

*If you have any special circumstances or questions, please contact us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.*

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 22, 2025 for consideration. Scholarship offers will be announced the week of Aug 25, 2025. For questions, email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Class Dates (in-person, to be held at various locations in Point Reyes TBA)

9/27/25
10/4/25
10/11/25
(no class 10/18)
10/25/25
11/1/25

Instructed by:

Dr. Chris Pincetich

Details:

- We will be meeting at the Point Reyes National Seashore Association Headquarters, GPS available upon registration , subsequent meeting locations to be provided with course syllabus

- Parking is available for free in the Bear Valley parking lot

- This course will take place on the Saturday dates listed above from 9am-5pm each day, specific locations to be provided with course syllabus

- Participants may miss one day if needed, but may be required to complete make-up work; please inform us if you know already that you will be missing a date

- Refunds available 7 days in advance of the start date

- Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

- Registration is required online prior to the start date

- Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

- Waitlists are available if needed

- This event will be held rain or shine.

-If you have any special circumstances or questions, please contact us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

What to Bring

Day Pack

Lunch (for each day)

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Binoculars (Recommended)

Camera (Optional)

Smartphone (Recommended)

Required Texts:

The California Naturalist Handbook, UC Press, 2013.

The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula, UC Press, 2008.

Both books are required reading for this course. If desired, a discount is available for purchasing the California Naturalist Handbook through UC Press. Please refer to this discount flyer for more information.

Ownership of the texts is not required. You may borrow or purchase these texts new or used at your discretion, but are responsible for finding your own copies for use during this program. Required homework accompanying the California Naturalist Handbook will be provided at the start of class. We suggest reading the Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula in advance as preparation for this program.

California Naturalist Program Fall 2025 at Point Reyes