Course Descriptions
Effie Yeaw Nature Center is offering the Climate Stewards certification course and the California Naturalist certification course in Sacramento County.
Climate Stewards Certification
The UC Climate Stewards program builds climate literacy and empowers participants to take meaningful, locally grounded action in response to climate change. The course blends climate science, communication, community engagement, and stewardship through a mix of online learning, interactive discussions, guest speakers, field experiences, and project-based learning. Social-emotional learning and trauma-aware practices are woven throughout the curriculum to support effective and inclusive climate action.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center is pleased to host the UC Climate Stewards course, with instruction led by Cathy Johnson, an experienced educator and climate stewardship leader. This locally focused course integrates regional themes such as fire, water, ecosystem resilience, and community stewardship, while connecting participants to statewide and global climate solutions.
Dates: February 9 - March 30, 2026
Fees: $300
Delivery Mode: Hybrid (a combination of online, classroom, and field time)
Contact: Cathy Johnson, cathyconnorjohnson@gmail.com
Free Webinar to Learn More! January 12, 6pm -7pm
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California Naturalist Certification
The Effie Yeaw Nature Center offers the California Naturalist certification class in Carmichael (Sacramento County). The 40-hour course combines a science curriculum with guest lecturers, field trips and project-based learning to explore the unique ecology and natural history of California, with an emphasis on the greater Sacramento region. The course covers basic ecology, watershed concepts, geology, wildlife, plants, and global environmental issues, as well as tools for collaborative conservation and communication.
Dates: March 9 - May 18, 2026
Fees: $450
Delivery Mode: In-Person
Contact: Brena Seck, brenas@sacnaturecenter.net, (916) 876-4918
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Organization Description: The American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) operates the Effie Yeaw Nature Center within a 100-acre Nature Study Area in the middle of the 23-mile American River Parkway, one of the largest riverside parkways in the United States. ARNHA offers nature programs to K-6 grades, adults and weekend family adventures, reaching over 15,000 students per year. The Nature Study Area is a mature oak woodland featuring valley and live oaks, cottonwoods and over 100 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and other creatures. The Lower American River runs along the edge of the Nature Study Area, including gravel bars for spawning steelhead and salmon. The Nature Study Area is protected from dogs, horses and bicycles so nature experiences can be close and rich.
