This immersive, field-based California Naturalist course is offered with an optional certification pathway. Join us as we explore life at the ecological edges of California’s desert and water systems. Based at the Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, we’ll study Colorado Desert ecology, geology, biodiversity, and climate change through daily field experiences, journaling, interpretation practice, and participatory science.

From our desert basecamp, we’ll take a full-day field excursion to the Salton Sea and Imperial Valley to witness one of California’s most complex and compelling landscapes: a terminal lake shaped by water policy, agriculture, wildlife migration, and human creativity. Sunrise birding at Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge, burrowing owl observations, and time at Bombay Beach and Salvation Mountain will deepen our understanding of how natural and cultural systems intersect at the margins.

This course is part of Teranga Ranch Wildlife’s Wildlands & Waters series and fulfills the requirements for UC California Naturalist certification (with the addition of 3 online sessions).

Expect early mornings, long but rewarding field days, shared meals, thoughtful conversations, and unforgettable learning.

Dates: February 4-19, 2026 (Online sessions: February 4, 17 and 19 from 7:00pm-8:30pm, Fieldtrip: February 7-11, 2026)

Delivery: Immersive/Hybrid

Cost: $650 (Costs include food/lodging)

Contact: Dana Stangel, info@terangaranch.org 

Course Website & Registration

Organization Description: Teranga Ranch Wildlife is a wildlife education organization that educates Californians about local wildlife and teaches them how to coexist. We go to schools and home owners association meetings. We hold community meetings when there is a perceived wildlife issue, like coyotes. We bring humane hazing devices to pass out and we discuss humane alternatives to poison, traps and guns. We teach community classes about local wildlife, we present workshops and we host field trips. We provide opportunities for anyone to get outside and involve themselves with wildlife, nature and Science.