Cambria CalNat August 16th-22nd, 2025
Earn Your UC California Naturalist Certificate on the Beautiful Central Coast! Immerse yourself in the beauty and ecology of the Central Coast with our 7-day training
program.
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Why Join This Program?
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Gain Knowledge: Dive deep into California’s natural history through expert-led
lectures, hands-on activities, and field trips. -
Earn Certification: Receive a California Naturalist certificate upon successful
course completion. -
University Credit: Optional 4 undergraduate units from the University of California.
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Program Highlights
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Interactive Learning: Participate in daily lectures and field seminars from 8 AM to 8 PM.
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Field Studies: Explore geology, ecology, and riparian ecosystems while journaling and using iNaturalist for community science.
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Engage with Experts: Learn from specialists about California’s biomes, energy issues, and traditional environmental knowledge.
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Stewardship Project: Design a project that makes a lasting impact on California’s natural resources.
Schedule at a Glance:
Day 1: Orientation, camera trap setup, and introductory lectures.
Day 2: All-day field trip in in Morro Bay focusing on estuaries, mariculture, nature interpretation and geology.
Day 3: Plant and animal good news stories, journaling, riparian studies, atmosphere
Day 4: Marine intertidal studies and community science project day
Day 5: Animal field study, plus the Native Americans perspective as we consider changing land uses over time
Day 6: Final field trip to UC Rancho Marino Reserve, then finish up your stewardship project and discuss the good/bad of global environmental issues.
Day 7: Capstone presentations, graduation, and celebration.
What You’ll Learn:
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California’s diverse ecosystems and their importance to our daily lives.
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Science-backed strategies for resource management and conservation.
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Techniques to engage in citizen science and community stewardship.​
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Who Should Apply?
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Teachers, docents, land stewards, natural resource professionals.
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Nature enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding and make a difference.
Benefits of Certification:
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Develop new skills and professional opportunities.
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Join a statewide network of over 4,000 certified California Naturalists.
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Receive invitations to exclusive conferences and continuing education.
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Earn 4 UC Davis Extension credits (additional fee applies).
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Program Cost (Includes Lodging, Meals, and Transportation):
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Cost: $1,877
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Scholarship: $939
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Registration Details:
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Location: Camp Ocean Pines, 1473 Randall Dr. Cambria, CA 93428
Graduation Requirements:
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Complete pre-reading (“The California Naturalist Handbook”).
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Maintain a detailed field notebook and upload iNaturalist observations.
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Design and present a Stewardship Project.
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Attend all lectures and field studies.
Scholarships Available! Click the link to apply.
