Course Description

Are you passionate about the desert and ready to deepen your connection to this unique landscape? Do you want to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and network to help protect and preserve our diverse wildlife, habitats, and water resources? Join Anza-Borrego Foundation and UC Environmental Stewards for an immersive 9-week course to become a certified California Naturalist… in the Desert! 

You’ll study the natural history of California, with a special focus on the geology, flora, fauna, and water resources of the Anza-Borrego Desert alongside expert scientists in their respective fields. You’ll gain hands-on experience in education, interpretation, participatory science, and environmental stewardship.

Dates: February 2 - April 3, 2026

Fees: ABF Member: $425, Non-Member: $500 (A limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial hardship. If you’d like to request a scholarship, please reach out to Samantha@theabf.org with a two–three paragraph description about why you’d like to attend this program and your need for a scholarship)

Delivery Mode: Hybrid (You’ll engage in online coursework, participate in weekly Zoom discussions, and we’ll gather four times in person at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for immersive field trips, allowing you to experience the desert firsthand.)

Contact: Samantha Young, samantha@theabf.org 

Course Website & Registration

Organization Description: Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF) is the official nonprofit partner of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. We provide financial support for Park programs, acquire land for conservation in and around the Park, educate the public about the Park’s resources and support research relevant to our region.