Nature Up Close

Presented by Chris Cameron,
Naturalist & Guide

Chris Cameron is a naturalist, and educator who helps people discover their place in this amazing world. He loves sharing his passion with interested folks. A student of science with a degree in theology, Chris is right at home with lively conversation, and thrives on diverse points of view. He’s led literally thousands of people on adventures, re-igniting the “nature” spark in people of all ages.

Current Opportunities

Yosemite California Naturalist
April 12th - 18th, 2025

Immerse yourself in the beauty and ecology of the Sierra Nevada with our 7-day training program.
Dive deep into California’s natural history through expert-led lectures, hands-on activities, and field trips. You will learn from specialists about California’s biomes, energy issues, and traditional environmental knowledge. You will receive a California Naturalist certificate upon successful course completion, with an optional 4 undergraduate units from the University of California.

Waterfall Week in Yosemite
May 18th - 23rd, 2025

Join expert naturalists Chris & Rosemay Cameron for a spectacular spring adventure. While the famous falls like Bridalveil, Yosemite, Vernal, and Nevada draw crowds, we’ll go beyond these and explore Yosemite's ephemeral falls—the rare, short-lived waterfalls that only emerge for a few weeks each spring. This is more than just a scenic tour; it’s an opportunity to learn about the geology, flora, and fauna that make Yosemite a bucket-list destination.

Cambria California Naturalist
August 16th - 22nd, 2025

A 7-day program on the beautiful Central Coast with the opportunity to learn from specialists about California’s biomes, energy issues, and traditional environmental knowledge. You will explore geology, ecology, and riparian ecosystems, and design a project that makes a lasting impact on California’s natural resources. Participants receive a California Naturalist certificate upon successful course completion, with an optional 4 undergraduate units from the University of California.

Click the image above to learn more about the California Naturalist program

Feedback from Past Attendees

"After researching other programs to achieve the Naturalist Cert, I decided to go for this concentrated one week course. I was so glad I did. I got to live the week with other aspiring naturalists from different walks of life and the field experiences were beyond what the other programs offered. Chris gathered an inspiring group of instructors and activity leads. All in all, I feel I got far more out of this program than the others offered. I still apply things I learned in my community every day - from restoring habitat for the endangered El Segundo blue to butterfly to replacing turf at our City Hall….. I strongly recommend this program to anyone seeking certification!"

Review from a 2024 California Naturalist course attendee