Spring 2023 Sonoma Ecology Center California Naturalist Program

  • March 15 - May 6, 2023

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

    2605 Adobe Canyon Road
    Kenwood, California 95452
Ticket Price $499.00 This event is now over
Description

This 8-week UC-certified course explores our local ecology, engages you in citizen science, and allows you to share your knowledge with others. The 40-hour course combines a science curriculum with guest lecturers, field trips, and project-based learning to explore the unique ecology and natural history of the Inner Coastal Range of Sonoma and Napa. 

If you enjoy exploring and learning about our local ecology, engaging in citizen science, and sharing your knowledge with others, this program is for you!  

Watch a short introductory video on the statewide California Naturalist program: https://youtu.be/U_9N8FZRWxg

Overview:

Our regional 40+ hour course combines a science curriculum with guest lecturers, field trips, and project-based learning to explore the unique ecology and natural history of the Inner Coastal Range of Sonoma and Napa. Local guest experts will attend classroom sessions and field trips utilizing the outdoor learning environment of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. The Spring 2023 course will emphasize the impact of the 2017 Nunns fire and the 2020 Glass Fires on our Sonoma Valley parks. Speakers include State Park and Sonoma Ecology Center scientists and staff, Renowned Bioacoustics expert Bernie Krause and famous retired Marin Open Space lead Naturalist, David Herlocker.  

Meeting Days & Times: Wednesday evenings from March 15-May 6, 6-8:30 pm over virtual Zoom sessions.

We are planning to hold 4 TBD Saturday field trips held on at various locations around Sonoma Valley including the Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve. All field trips run from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm with the exception of our Dawn Chorus recording (5:00 am-8:00 am) on May 6 with optional overnight included on the evening prior (May 5). 

 

Fee: $499 registration

Need-based scholarships are available. Students must purchase The California Naturalist Handbook (2013, UC Press).  

 

Course Benefits Include:

  • Classroom sessions & hands-on field trips with local expert lecturers, field biologists, and a UC curriculum
  • UC California Naturalist Certificate awarded upon completion of course requirements
  • Optional 4 UC academic credits for an additional fee
  • Future discounts on unique training opportunities
  • Opportunities to develop your CV and skillset
  • Lifetime membership to a statewide network of institutions & certified UC California Naturalists

For more information contact Lead instructor Tony Passantino at Tony@sonomaecologycenter.org

Date & Time

Mar 15, 2023 6:00 PM - May 6, 2023 8:30 PM

Venue Details

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

2605 Adobe Canyon Road
Kenwood, California 95452 Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Events Sonoma Ecology Center

Visit our website www.sonomaecologycenter.org

Sonoma Ecology Center works to address challenges related to water supply and quality, open space, rural character, biodiversity, energy, climate change, and a better quality of life for all residents.

Since 1990, we’ve worked to increase appreciation and stewardship of Sonoma Valley’s natural heritage and create measurable benefits in areas of land, water, climate change, and biodiversity.

Vision

We envision a future where people, land, water, and wildlife thrive.

Mission

Our mission is to work with our community to identify and lead actions that achieve and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley.


Find more Events Sonoma Ecology Center Events