Sierra Streams Institute is again partnering with the University of California to host the California Naturalist Program in the Sierra foothill region. The course, open to all members of the community, introduces students from the northern Sierra Nevada and Sacramento Valley regions to Sierra Nevada foothill ecosystems and watershed processes.

Participants in the Sierra Streams Institute California Naturalist certification course can experience personal and professional growth while gaining appreciation and knowledge of California’s unique ecology and natural history.

Comments from past participants: “It was fulfilling and life-expanding.”
“Transformational—the class gave me tools to transform intent to application, especially in areas where I’ve been unsure how best to be effective.”
“This course did a great job of introducing field techniques. The field trips, and even the short trips into the field before class, were priceless.”
“I was totally impressed with not only the instructors, but the other students. It seemed like each person could probably have taught a course on each of their specialties; it added a real richness.”
“My interests in nature study and action were reignited through this experience.”

California Naturalist is designed to foster a committed group of volunteer naturalists and citizen scientists trained and ready to take an active role in natural resource stewardship. The program was developed by the University of California division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR), the same folks responsible for the UC Cooperative Extension and Master Gardener programs. “What an amazing opportunity to create more citizen scientists!” says Joanne Hild, Sierra Streams Executive Director. “All local watersheds will benefit from this infusion of new and enthusiastic environmental stewards.”

Lectures and field trips led by SSI staff and local guest speakers will give participants the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to educate others and to participate in projects with local environmental organizations. Lectures will include lessons on geology, hydrology, forest ecology, wildlife ecology, and global environmental issues. Students will participate in field trips where they will gain experience in phenology studies, local flora and fauna identification, birding, mammal survey techniques, and forest management.

Upon completing certification requirements, participants are eligible for four academic credits through UC Davis Extension for an additional nominal fee.

Our 2017 Spring program is full! To be placed on a wait list, please fill out our Interest Form.
For more information about the program, email Sol Henson or Kelly Santos at cnssi@sierrastreamsinstitute.org.

To learn much more about the course, visit www.cnssi.wordpress.com, the website dedicated to the California Naturalist program at Sierra Streams Institute.