Program Overview: Have you ever wanted to become a certified naturalist — and do it in the heart of Yosemite National Park? This immersive UC California Naturalist Certification Course, offered by Yosemite Conservancy in partnership with UC Environmental Stewards, combines science, stewardship, and adventure in one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
Over two multi-day sessions in spring and summer, you’ll build deep knowledge of Yosemite’s geology, wildlife, plant communities, fire ecology, and cultural heritage alongside expert naturalists, scientists, and park staff. Between sessions, you’ll complete independent field work, contribute to community science through iNaturalist, and design your own stewardship capstone project.
This course follows in the tradition of Yosemite’s pioneering naturalist education programs dating back to the 1920s — and upon successful completion, you’ll earn your official California Naturalist certificate through the University of California.
Know Before You Go:
- Program dates:
- Session 1 dates: Tuesday, May 26 – Thursday, May 28, 2026; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm each day, with a free day Friday, May 29.
- Session 2 dates: Tuesday, July 21 – Friday, July 24, 2026 (Friday is a half day ending at 12:30 pm)
- Program location: Yosemite National Park, California
- What’s Included
- 55+ hours of instruction (40+ in-person contact hours plus independent study)
- Field experiences in Yosemite Valley, Mariposa Grove, and Tuolumne Meadows
- Guest sessions with expert naturalists, ecologists, and park scientists
- Official UC California Naturalist certification upon course completion
- Park entry pass (valid for program dates only)
- National Association of Interpretation Certificate of Interpretive Guiding
- Park entry pass (valid for program dates only)
- Shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered)
- No discount is available if you choose not to use the gate pass or campsite.
- Camping Information:
- Session 1: Arrive Monday, May 25, after 12 pm. Depart Saturday, May 30, by 11 am. Two campsites are shared between all participants, each with space for 4–5 tents and equipped with a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit.
- Camping Location: Lower Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley
- Session 2: Arrive Monday, July 20, after 12 pm. Depart Saturday, July 25, by 11 am. Two campsites are shared between all participants, each with space for 4–5 tents and equipped with a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit.
- Camping Location: Tuolumne Meadows Campground
- Session 1: Arrive Monday, May 25, after 12 pm. Depart Saturday, May 30, by 11 am. Two campsites are shared between all participants, each with space for 4–5 tents and equipped with a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit.
- Important Notes: Due to the shared nature of the campsites, we cannot accommodate RVs, campers, or car camping. If you would like a private campsite, have an RV/camper, or plan to sleep in your car, you’ll need to make your own reservation. Please note that camping is reserved for program participants only.
What’s Not Included
- The California Naturalist Handbook, 2nd Edition (required reading; must be purchased before the course)
- Field notebook or nature journal
- Meals during your program
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites
- Transportation
Academic Credit Option: After completing all course requirements, participants may purchase 4 undergraduate credits through UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education for an additional fee.
Experience Level: All levels welcome!
View a suggested packing list.
