The California Naturalist course is a +40 hour course delivered by our community partners throughout the state. In addition to a general overview of California's natural history, our accomplished and experienced instructors develop, refine, and focus these courses on the habitats, ecosystems, and communities in their regions. To received certification, every Naturalist will:
- Read the entire course handbook and any other publications assigned by their instructor.
- Have 40 or more contact learning hours delivered over 8-12 weeks. This includes in-person or virtual synchronous instruction and field trips.
- Add at least 10 observations to their course's iNaturalist project.
- Complete a Stewardship Project.
- Participate in their course's Participatory Science Project.
- Meet all requirements set by their instructor.
The California Naturalist Handbook, Second Edition
The go-to guide to California’s natural history, now updated with fresh insights on stewardship for a changing climate and diverse naturalist perspectives.
The California Naturalist Handbook offers a fun, science-based introduction to California’s natural history, emphasizing observation, discovery, communication, and stewardship. This accessible guidebook explores geology, native plants and animals, freshwater resources, forest and rangeland resources, conservation biology, and the effects of pressing environmental issues. Aspiring naturalists will learn how to keep a nature journal, practice participatory science, and improve ecosystem resilience.
Used statewide for the California Naturalist Program, this updated edition includes:
- Updated overview of California’s unique ecosystems and plant and animal communities
- Expanded discussions of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship
- Contributions by diverse naturalist leaders including women, Indigenous peoples, and naturalists of color
- A deeper dive into southern California’s urban and desert ecologies
- Current climate change information, including fire and forest management, drought, flooding and groundwater issues, and recognition of climate grief
- Higher quality images showing a more diverse range of habitats
The handbook is eight chapters long and covers a broad range of topics:
Chapter 1: California Natural History and the Role of Naturalists
Chapter 2: Geology, Climate, and Soils
Chapter 3: Water
Chapter 4: Plants
Chapter 5: Forest, Woodland, and Range Resources and Management
Chapter 6: Animals
Chapter 7: Energy and Global Environmental Issues
Chapter 8: Interpretation, Collaboration, and Citizen Science (Changed to Participatory Science)
For a more in depth look at topics and regions in California, check out our Publication Series.
For more information on the UC Climate Stewards Handbook, click here!
Buy the book here with 30% discount code UCPSAVE30. Click buying options and select "UC Press" from the drop down menu.
Download a flyer with information for a 30% discount.
