The UC California Naturalist Program

The UC California Naturalist program uses a science curriculum, hands-on learning, problem-solving, participatory science, and volunteer service to instill a deep appreciation for the natural communities of the state and to inspire individuals to become stewards of their local resources.

Spring 2026 Schedule March 9, 2026 to

May 18, 2026

The program promotes environmental literacy and stewardship through discovery and action. Courses combine classroom and field experience in science and include a cultural component to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge. Students are taught by an instructor and team of experts who are affiliated with a local nature-based center or natural resource focused agency.

The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is pleased to once again be hosting this exciting course, led by Senior Naturalist and Certified UC California Naturalist Instructor, Brena Seck.

This modified course will also include areas of focus around state park and vocational pathways for those who are interested.

Cancellation Policy: Registrants may cancel up to two weeks prior to the first day of instruction for a full refund minus a $50 administration fee. Cancellations occurring less than two weeks prior to course start date are not eligible for a refund.

If you plan to earn a California Naturalist certification through this course you are allowed to miss ONLY ONE class. Please check course dates meeting times and read cancellation policy carefully before registering!

Please read the following before registration.

Course Details: This 11-week course uses The California Naturalist Handbook, visiting expert speakers, field trips, video,s and project-based learning, in addition to presentations from the course instructor to expose you to the natural wonders of California. Upon successful completion of the course you will be certified as a California Naturalist by the University of California and be eligible for four general education credits (CPE Credits) through UC Davis Extension (for an additional fee).

This course is for ages 18+ only.

Classes will meet weekly on Mondays from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center located in Ancil Hoffman Park where participants will explore the adjoining Nature Study Area. Additionally there will be two required all-day field trips.

Cost: $450. Tuition covers weekly classes including on-site field excursions and additional field trips (transportation is not included).

Required Textbook: Students must purchase the course text: The California Naturalist Handbook (2025 2nd Edition, UC Press). By purchasing your copy through UC Press, you can save 30% using the discount code UCPSAVE30. To access this discount, follow the link below, click the "Buy" button, then select "UC Press" from the drop down menu. Follow the prompts to "Checkout" then enter the discount code in the box on the right-hand side. Make sure to click "Apply"!

Participant Requirements: Per University of California course guidelines successful completion of the course and certification as a California Naturalist requires:

Attendance at all class sessions and field trips (only one absence is permitted with make-up work). Field Trips TBD
Completion of an eight (8) hour volunteer stewardship project.
Logging at least ten (10) observation in iNaturalist.
Participation in a citizen science project adopted by the class.
Reading the entire textbook The California Naturalist Handbook.
Creating a field notebook with entries from all field days (and preferably more).
Completion of a post-course evaluation.

Additionally after the class each participant is expected to consider and hopefully commit to volunteering at least forty hours a year in environmental stewardship, education, program support or participatory science and record all hours of service in the Volunteer Portal.

Additional Information: If you plan to earn a California Naturalist certification through this course you are allowed to miss ONLY ONE class. Please check course dates meeting times and read cancellation policy carefully before registering!

Monday lectures will be held indoors at Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Portions of most course dates will also include outdoor time such as activities or hikes.

Course Instructor: Brena Seck is a Senior Naturalist at Effie Yeaw Nature Center where she has been on staff since 1999. After graduating from University of California at Davis with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology she worked as a field biologist focusing on birds and small mammals but yearned for a place where she could continue her work on wildlife and interpret nature for people. She discovered the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and it was the right fit! Brena presents a variety of educational nature programs for schools but her specialty is providing Maidu cultural programs which include sharing the traditional stories, games and foods while connecting people to the resources around them. She also enjoys interpreting the plants animals and ecology of the American River Parkway to the thousands of visitors who come to Effie Yeaw Nature Center annually.

EYNC Cal Nat Alumnus:

“Brena was an amazing instructor. She is always so positive and shows a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for every topic we covered in the course. I think she’s great at conveying the big ideas but also getting us to make the personal connections between the material and our own lives/interests.”

“This program was such an inspiring and valuable experience! I look forward to continuing to be a part of the Cal Nat community for many years to come.”