California Naturalist Certification: Introduction to the Mojave Desert
About the UC Environmental Stewards Certification
Transition Habitat Conservancy is a proud partner of the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR). This statewide network of over 70 partners works to promote environmental literacy and stewardship through discovery and action. To become a certified California Naturalist, participants need to enroll in and complete a 40+ hour course. The UC Environmental Stewards program gives Californians the knowledge, skills, and network to help protect and preserve our unique and diverse wildlife, habitats and increase ecosystem and community resilience.
Transition Habitat Conservancy strives to provide education about the fragile and inspirational nature of our desert plants, animals, and ecosystems to connect people to nature. We are also proud to be the first and only UCANR partner to offer a Mojave Desert-specific California Naturalist Course and are offering this course for the first time in 2025.
This course will be offered in Spring of 2025 to anyone 18 years of age or older who is interested in learning about their environment. No previous experience is required.
Why Become a California Naturalist?
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Help With Issues Impacting Your Community
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Enjoy Nature by Viewing it Through a New Lens
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Gain Environmental Career Experience
Course Details
Registration will open on October 1st, 2025 and will close on February 28th, 2026 or when 20 participants have fully registered.
Hybrid and remote options are available. The course is $400 and runs for 9 weeks. Read the Syllabus and Schedule below before registering.
The class will run from 03/16/2026 - 05/14/2026 with classes held on Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00pm-7:30pm, with Saturday field trips.
Registrants may cancel up to three weeks before the first day of instruction for a full refund, minus a $50 administrative fee. Within three weeks of the first class, no refunds will be issued. Registrants that can successfully refer another student to replace their spot in the course prior to the first day of class will receive a full refund. Registrants that experience a verifiable medical emergency personally, or in their family, between the two weeks of class before and after instruction has begun may re-enroll in the following year's course at a 50% discounted rate, with priority for early registration. No other cancellations, for any other reason, will result in a refund.
Successful completion of the course requirements will earn you the California Naturalist Certification.
Scholarships may be available to reduce cost for qualified applicants.
Instructor Contact Info: sarah@transitionhabitat.org