California Naturalist in Anza-Borrego – Spring 2026

Are you passionate about the desert and ready to deepen your connection to this unique landscape? Do you want to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and network to help protect and preserve our diverse wildlife, habitats, and water resources? Join Anza-Borrego Foundation and UC Environmental Stewards for an immersive 9-week course to become a certified California Naturalist… in Anza-Borrego! 

You’ll study the natural history of California, with a special focus on the geology, flora, fauna, and water resources of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park alongside expert scientists in their respective fields. You’ll gain hands-on experience in interpretation, participatory science, and environmental stewardship. 

The course includes weekly live online discussions, guest lectures, field trips in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and an independent project designed to enhance your knowledge and communication skills in natural history. You have the option to become an ABF volunteer or earn UC Extension credits. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your environmental literacy and stewardship through discovery and action in California’s largest State Park. 

REGISTER TODAY!

Space is limited to 18 participants. Please register in advance! 

Dates: February 2 – April 3, 2026  

Location: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 

Course Fees:  

Non-Member: $500 

ABF Member: $425 

Cancellation Policy: This program is refundable up to 30 days before the course start date. Please read our updated policy for additional details.

Students are responsible for purchasing required texts, travel to/from field sites, accommodations, & optional UC extension credit fees. 

*Please note that as the Anza-Borrego Foundation is a non-profit organization, all program costs are used to support current and future education programs, including subsidized programs that seek to increase access to the outdoors.   

Scholarships: A limited number of partial scholarships are available for those with financial hardship. If you’d like to request a scholarship, please reach out to Samantha@theabf.org with a two–three paragraph description about why you’d like to attend this program and your need for a scholarship.  

Meeting Dates & Commitments: 

• Virtual class discussions: Thursdays February 5 – April 2, 2026, 5-6pm PST 

• Field trips: Sunday February 15, Saturday February 28, Saturday March 14, Saturday March 28, ~9am – 4pm PST *Students can not miss more than one field trip* 

• Self-paced online assignments, Stewardship Project, & lectures 

Additional Details: 

Modality: This is a hybrid course, offering a dynamic blend of learning formats. You’ll engage in online coursework, participate in weekly Zoom discussions, and we’ll gather four times in person at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for immersive field trips, allowing you to experience the desert firsthand. 

Contact Time: A minimum of 50 educational hours (classroom + field) are required, with 24 of these hours in the field. Additionally, you must spend at least 8 hours on your Stewardship Project.  

Physical Expectations: You should be prepared for easy to moderate hikes at a slow pace on uneven terrain and sand, with frequent stops for interpretation. Some areas may include slight elevation gain. You should be prepared for the desert’s variable environment and dress in layers and stay hydrated.  

Required Reading: You’re required to purchase and read the following two class texts: 

• The California Naturalist Handbook by Greg de Nevers, Deborah Stranger Edelman, Adina Merenlender 

• A Natural History of the Anza-Borrego Region Then and Now by Mike Wells and Marie Simovich 

You’ll receive a 25% discount when you purchase these books at our Park Store or Visitor Center. 

Stewardship Project: You must complete a pre-approved Stewardship Project and present your project on graduation day. You’re expected to spend at least 8 hours on the Stewardship Project, in addition to the 50 course hours.  

Field Notebook and Journal: You are required to keep a field notebook during the course for reflection or observation assignments.   

iNaturalist Observations: You will be responsible for registering for an iNaturalist account and adding at least eight (8) observations to the course iNaturalist Project.  

Class Participatory Science Project: You must contribute to the participatory science project adopted by the class.