Course Descriptions
Cosumnes River Preserve is offering the Climate Stewards certification course and the California Naturalist certification course in Sacramento County.
Climate Stewards Certification
The Climate Stewards certification combines communication training, climate science, participatory science, and field-based learning focused on floodplains, wetlands, valley oak riparian forest, vernal pool grasslands, and compatible agriculture within the lower Cosumnes watershed.
Dates: August 26 - November 18, 2026
Fees: $50.00, Partial scholarships are available for a limited number of students. Email info@cosumnes.org to apply.
Delivery Mode: Hybrid (a combination of online, classroom, and field time)
Contact: Info@cosumnes.org
California Naturalist Certification
This 11-week course uses the official “California Naturalist Handbook”, expert speakers, field excursions, and project-based learning to explore California’s ecological diversity and the unique habitats of the Cosumnes River watershed. Upon successful completion, you’ll become a Certified California Naturalist and are eligible for four academic credits via UC Davis Extension (additional fee applies).
Dates: April 1-June 10, 2026
Fees: $400, Partial scholarships are available for a limited number of students. Email info@cosumnes.org to request an application
Delivery Mode: In-Person
Organization Description: The Cosumnes River Preserve consists of over 50,000 acres of wildlife habitat and agricultural lands owned by seven land-owning Partners. The Partners include The Nature Conservancy, Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Sacramento County Regional Parks, Department of Water Resources, Ducks Unlimited, and the California State Lands Commission. The Preserve is centered along the Cosumnes River, its floodplains and riparian habitat. This habitat is buffered by a variety of agricultural operations. The Preserve provides numerous social, economic, and recreational benefits to local communities and to people residing in the larger Sacramento and San Joaquin areas. The habitat supports wildlife, including birds that migrate throughout the Pacific Flyway.
