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.
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Cancellation Policy
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The CalNat Course requires a minimum of 10 paid students. If there are not 10 paid students 30 days prior to the start date, the course will be cancelled. All monies will be refunded if course cancellation occurs. The course will NOT be canceled for weather. If the facility we stay at cancels for weather, all monies can be refunded or applied to the next course.
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If you must cancel, please contact us as soon as possible. If canceling between thirty (30) and sixty (60) days of arrival date, a cancellation fee is required equal to 50% of the course cost. If you cancel within thirty (30) days of arrival date, a cancellation fee equal to 100% is required. Since this is a financial commitment, you may consider trip insurance.
