California Naturalist

Content Warning: This article discusses Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, Hurricane Harvey, and other climate change-related issues and impacts that might be hard to read for some.

I recently came across a national forum thread on iNaturalist where someone was curious to know more about the value of becoming a certified naturalist. Not surprisingly, there was a wide range of opinions. These ranged from supportive to skeptical to cynical.

A blog re-post from our Lead Scientist Dr. Cameron Barrows on the importance of preserving those organisms that are at the core of each ecosystem, using Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia) as an example.

Dear California Naturalists and Climate Stewards: We are pleased to introduce you to the new Volunteer Portal! Over the last year, we've developed a new platform for our naturalists, stewards, and instructors to record, review, and generate reports on their volunteer service.

After 9 years of expanding and improving the California Naturalist program and helping to usher in the UC Climate Stewards course, our Coastal Northern California Community Education Specialist, Brook Gamble, is moving on to a new organization.