California Naturalist Course with Calaveras Big Trees Association
About the Event
The California Naturalist Program is returning to Calaveras Big Trees State Park for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Sierra Nevada’s ecology. This immersive course combines an engaging science curriculum with hands-on field experiences, creative problem-solving, authentic citizen science projects, and meaningful community service.
Dates: May 28-June 26, 2026
Fees: $310
Delivery Mode: In-Person
Contact: Patty Haskell, pabhaskell@gmail.com
Organization Description: Calaveras Big Trees Association (CBTA) facilitates this California Naturalist course and CBTA serves as the sole source of funding for the interpretive and educational programs at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. CBTA can trace its roots to the original Calaveras Grove Association organized in 1926 by a group of individuals intent on preserving the historic groves for future generations. Through their efforts, Calaveras Big Trees State Park was born on July 5, 1931. The Calaveras Big Trees Association was founded in 1974 non-profit to support the interpretive and environmental educational programs at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Programs enable visitors to understand, appreciate, conserve, enjoy and explore Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park became a State Park in 1931 to preserve the North Grove of giant sequoias. This grove includes the "Discovery Tree", also known as the "Big Stump", the first Sierra redwood noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852. Over the years, other parcels of mixed conifer forests have been added to the park. This amazing park has a huge variety of habitats and recreational opportunities to explore.