The California Naturalist Program at Point Reyes is a Saturday field-based lecture series provided in partnership between the University of California Cooperative Extension 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 September 25th – October 23rd, 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. Fall is a great time for students to experience the richness and biodiversity that 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 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 the short online scholarship application form by 9:00am on August 9th for consideration. Scholarship offers will be announced on or before Monday August 16th. 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 Sept 25 – Oct 23rd 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 for all classes 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. Click here to see current weather conditions

-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)

Laptop (Optional)

Smartphone (Optional)

Required Texts Included:

The California Naturalist Handbook, UC Press, 2013.

The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula, UC Press, 2008.

Both books are included in your course fee, and will be mailed to you before the start date along with more information a course syllabus. Readings before the start date will be required. 

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 facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines:

In accordance with Marin County guidelines for public health and safety, we anticipate continuing to follow the following COVID-19 procedures, but reserve the right to modify requirements in accordance with County Health recommendations at the time of class:

• 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-19 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

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants experiencing COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• Wear a protective face covering if unvaccinated

• Maintain a 6 foot physical distance from other participants not belonging to your household if unvaccinated

• Bring your own food and water

• Participants will be asked to drive their own vehicle to some class locations, or may be given the opportunity to carpool to class destinations with other fully vaccinated participants.

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