In October 2014, the California Naturalist Program joined the ranks of UC ANR's official statewide programs with Sabrina Drill, natural resources advisor in Los Angeles County, taking on her new role as associate director.

"My goal is to expand the program here in Los Angeles, and throughout Southern California," said Drill. "Given the amazing diversity of our habitats and communities, we are expanding to serve more diverse communities, working with teachers, conservation corps trainees and community leaders throughout urban areas," she added.

Using an ecosystem stewardship framework, the California Naturalist Program is building a statewide network of environmental stewards. The program uses a science-based curriculum and extensive field time and experiential learning to introduce the public, teachers, interpreters, docents, green collar workers, natural resource managers and budding scientists to the wonders of our unique ecology as well as engage them in the stewardship of California's natural communities.

The curriculum includes chapters on forest, woodland and range resources management, geology, climate, water, wildfire and plants. Participants engage in field days and capstone projects and use the iNaturalist app (for iPhone or Android to upload observations of plants or animals and document was seen and where). These tools help to instill a deep appreciation for the state's natural communities and engage participants in biological conservation.

Currently in Los Angeles County, UC ANR has three California Naturalist programs running or about to start. At Pasadena City College, students enrolled in a field biology course use the California Naturalist Program curriculum to study the local Arroyo Seco watershed. The California Naturalist certification is one of the core elements of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority's (MRCA) Bridge to Parks Careers program as well as its internship program to prepare young adults from urban areas for careers at MRCA, California state parks and National Park Service sites. Finally, members of the public are invited to sign up NOW for the California Naturalist class at Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum. The class will focus on the South Bay's historical and modern ecology. Registration is open and class will start on January 24.