8 Saturdays in 2026:
January 17, 24, 31, February 14, 21, 28, March 14, 28
9:30am – 2:30pm each date
$500 per person
Ages 18 and up welcome
Meet at the Dwight Center
The California Naturalist course will introduce you to the wonders of our local ecology and natural history through guided observation and stewardship. The course curriculum will combine a science- based curriculum with guest lecturers, field excursions, and project-based learning to immerse you in the natural world of the Mayacamas Mountains where Pepperwood resides.
This 40-hour course is based at Pepperwood’s 3,200 acre reserve, where you will explore diverse habitats including ponds, grasslands, oak woodlands, and chapparal. Participants will learn about Sonoma County’s natural ecosystems with Pepperwood staff and other local experts in hydrology, soil science, land stewardship, wildlife ecology, botany, ornithology, and geology. Upon completion of the course along with your Stewardship Project, you will receive your California Naturalist Certification through the UC Environmental Stewards certification program.
Participation in the California Naturalist course at Pepperwood also serves as one pathway to becoming a Pepperwood Steward. Our Stewards are a special team of dedicated volunteers who support Pepperwood’s work through regular involvement in our classes & events, stewardship workdays, and community science.
You can learn more about the certification program on the UC Environmental Stewards program page here via UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Questions? For all questions about course content and requirements, as well as to inquire about scholarships (limited availability), please contact our course facilitator Summer Swallow at
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Also check out other Workshops in Santa Rosa.
