Certified California Naturalist

CalNat Webpage

Do you love nature? Do you want to learn more about local plant, animal and insect species? Do you want to learn about volunteer opportunities related to the natural environment? Tuleyome is once again teaming up with the University of California's extension program to teach members of the public how to become Certified California Naturalists!

No advanced degrees or previous naturalist experience is required.  We teach you everything you need to know and get you certified.  SIGN UP TODAY!

Sign-ups for our 2023 classes are open now!

Ten-week course: Fridays at 12 pm, January 13 - March 17

One-week course: April 2 - 7 at Wilbur Hot Springs Resort

Please contact Nate Lillge (nlillge@tuleyome.org) to register.

Winter Course: January -  March 2023

CLASSES WILL MEET IN PERSON WITH APPROPRIATE SAFETY AND HEALTH GUIDELINES TO ENSURE PARTICIPANTS SAFETY. CLASSES AND FIELD TRIPS ARE DESIGNED TO ENSURE SAFETY AND TO CONFORM TO ALL STATE AND LOCAL GUIDELINES. PLEASE CONTACT NATE LILLGE (nlillge@tuleyome.org) WITH QUESTIONS.

There will be 10 classes and 3 field trips.
Class Limit: 30 students (adults, age 21 and over)

Classes take place at:
Woodland Public Library - Leake Room (205 1st St, Woodland, 95695)
12:00 noon to 4:00 pm

  • Friday, January 13, 2023
  • Friday, January 20, 2023
  • Friday, January 27, 2023
  • Friday, February 3, 2023
  • Friday, February 10, 2023
  • Friday, February 17, 2023
  • Friday, February 24, 2023
  • Friday, March 3, 2023
  • Friday, March 10, 2023
  • Friday, March 17, 2023

Field Trips will take place at various locations. All fitness levels are taken into consideration, so the field trips will all be low-impact. They will take place on:

  • Saturday, January 21, 2023
  • Saturday, February 4, 2023
  • Saturday, February 25, 2023

A detailed syllabus for the course will be made available as we get closer to the start date.


COSTS AND REGISTRATION DEADLINES

CLASSES WILL MEET IN PERSON WITH APPROPRIATE SAFETY AND HEALTH GUIDELINES TO ENSURE PARTICIPANTS SAFETY. CLASSES AND FIELD TRIPS ARE DESIGNED TO ENSURE SAFETY AND TO CONFORM TO ALL STATE AND LOCAL GUIDELINES. PLEASE CONTACT NATE LILLGE (nlillge@tuleyome.org) WITH QUESTIONS.

For the Winter Course, all students will be expected to purchase the required textbook for the course. You can order the textbook directly from the University of California or through other book outlets.

To register for the course, please contact Nate Lillge (nlillge@tuleyome.org). Once you are registered, you will be sent a packet of forms to fill out. All of the forms need to be returned to Tuleyome PRIOR to the start of the first class. (Don't worry, we'll send you reminders.)

  • Standard Registration : $525.00 [Note: If you would like to pay the tuition with a credit card, please contact Nate Lillge (nlillge@tuleyome.org). Please note that there are additional fees when paying with a credit card to help us cover our costs. To avoid the extra fees you can send a check made out to "Tuleyome/Calnat" to Tuleyome, Attn: Nate Lillge, 622 Main Street, Suite 200, Woodland, CA 95695.]
  • Scholarship Registration: Please contact Nate Lillge (nlillge@tuleyome.org) for more information.

NOTE: Once the registration fee has been paid it will NOT be refunded in whole or in part for any reason (except in the unlikely event that the entire course is cancelled by Tuleyome).

Immersive Course at Wilbur Hot Springs Resort: April 2 - 7, 2023

THE COURSE IS HELD ENTIRELY AT WILBUR HOT SPRINGS RESORT. THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE SAFETY AND TO CONFORM TO ALL STATE AND LOCAL GUIDELINES REGARDING COVID-19. PLEASE CONTACT NATE LILLGE (nlillge@tuleyome.org) WITH QUESTIONS.


COSTS AND REGISTRATION DEADLINES

Students will be expected to purchase the required textbook for the course. You can order the textbook directly from the University of California or through other book outlets.

Please contact Nate (nlillge@tuleyome.org) for details.

NOTE: Once the registration fee has been paid it will NOT be refunded in whole or in part for any reason (except in the unlikely event that the entire course is cancelled by Tuleyome).


Teaching Modules Include:

  • A “Nature Table” for sharing field journals and photos of specimens found in the region
  • An overview of the chapters of the textbook, along with more targeted information about our region with a focus on vocabulary
  • Guest lecturers (when available)
  • Guided field trips
  • Hands-on learning experiences (where appropriate) which may include “Coyote CSI”, “Making a Plant Press”, the “Your Naturalist Knowledge Eco-Blitz Game!” and more.
  • And our very popular “Species Identification Modules” during which we will go over various common species found in the region and tell you some fun facts about them

The UC California Naturalist Program is designed to introduce Californians to the wonders of our unique ecology and engage the public in study and stewardship of California’s natural communities. The California Naturalist program uses a science curriculum, hands-on learning, problem-solving, citizen science, and community service to instill a deep appreciation for the natural communities of the state and to inspire individuals to become stewards of their local resources.

Courses combine classroom and field experience in science, problem-solving, communication training and community service. Students are taught by an instructor and team of experts who are affiliated with a local nature-based center or natural resource focused agency. Upon completing certification requirements, participants are eligible for four academic credits through UC Davis Extension for an additional nominal fee.

Contact Us

CalNat Information Sign-Up

Let us know know what interests you about our naturalist course, ask to be added to our waiting list, or ask us a question about the course. Just fill out this form and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. (All * fields are required) Thank you!
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