The California Naturalist Program at Point Reyes is a Saturday field-based lecture series provided in partnership between the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources 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 starting April 15th – May 13th, 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 Spring in Point Reyes has to offer. 

Graduates of this program will be ready to take an active role in natural resource conservation, education, and restoration. Upon completion, 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 that 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 field are strongly encouraged to apply. Please complete this short online scholarship application by 9:00am on March 1, 2023 for consideration. Scholarship offers will be announced on or before Wed March 8th. For questions, email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.*

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 every Saturday from April 15th – May 13th at the same time 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 see this discount flier for details.

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.

About the PRNSA Field Institute

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute volunteer facilitator, or are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Send an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County guidelines for public health and safety, we ask all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

• Masks are optional but are strongly recommended when indoors or if gathered closely outside

• Please bring your own food and water

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.