This month we discuss our upcoming trip to Tennessee for the annual Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs meeting, link to a special research opportunity for Certified Naturalists, and highlight fall courses that still have some room to join. http://t.co/uYI9Vqp1Oa

Adam Blauery, a California Naturalist through the first University of California, Merced Vernal Pools Reserve course writes about his experience in the Merced Sun-Star. The top four things he gained from his participation? "Vastly expanded knowledge of local environments and their inhabitants, meeting and networking with interesting people, comprehensive understanding of the environments of our field trip destinations, and beginning an exciting community service project (you'll read more about that part in a future column)." Read more here.

By popular demand, we have some fun new items in the CalNat Acorn Naturalists store for you! http://bit.ly/CalNatAcorn

Calling all naturalists: we're headed to the mountains! We're excited to announce we have a venue and dates for the 2016 CalNat Statewide Conference: Observe nature. Foster partnerships. Plan for change. September 9-11, 2016 at Pali Mountain Retreat & Conference Center in Running Springs, in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains (http://www.paliretreat.com/). Details to emerge over the next few months, including ways to participate, present, and sponsor and scholarships. We look forward to seeing you in the mountains! http://calnat.ucanr.edu/2016conference/