Dear Colleagues,
Over a decade ago, Adina Merenlender had a vision – a vision for a corps of Californians dedicated to appreciation and stewardship of the state's natural environment. The result of her vision was the UC California Naturalist (UC CalNat) program – a new type of UC ANR Statewide Program teaching people about the wonders of our natural heritage and providing them with the capacity to care for it. Joined by Sabrina Drill and an advisory group of extension personnel, Adina spent 5 years building a solid team with a strong commitment from a growing network of partners. Her new model saw each partner empowered to cultivate the network of UC CalNat-certified...
The UC California Naturalist program successfully completed its first UC ANR five-year statewide program review. Associate Vice President Powers and I extend a thank you to the ad-hoc committee for their time commitment and thoroughness in examining the program and providing recommendations to UC ANR's Program Council. The time Adina Merenlender, California Naturalist director, and Greg Ira, program coordinator, spent providing detailed information on all aspects of the program is also greatly appreciated. Last, but not least, a big thank you to all the UC California Naturalists, instructors and partners who submitted feedback during the review.
We recognize the program's accomplishments in their first five years –...
