Sierra Forever and Eastern Sierra Land Trust are thrilled to bring the UC California Naturalist Program to the Eastern Sierra. In this program you will become part of a committed corps of volunteer naturalists and citizen scientists, equipped with the skills needed to take an active role in local natural resource conservation, restoration, and education. Our hybrid online/in-person course combines science instruction with guest speakers, field trips, and project-based learning to explore the unique ecology, geology and natural history of the Eastern Sierra.
California Naturalist Fall 2026 Details
Whether you are interested in a career in the natural sciences or you are just curious about our local surroundings and want to learn more, this course offers a deeper look into the landscapes and natural systems that define the Eastern Sierra.
Course Dates:
- Wednesdays from 6:00pm-7:30pm
- Start date: September 2, 2026
- End date: October 21, 2026
- No class 9/16 and 10/7
Course Location:
- Hybrid, Wednesday classes are held online via Zoom, field trips are in-person. Field trip locations will be in Inyo and Mono counties.
Field Trip Dates:
Students must attend at least 4 field trips, attendance to all 6 is optional but encouraged. Field trip start and end times are subject to change.
- Saturday, September 12, 8:30am – 4:00pm
- Sunday, September 13, 8:30am-3:00pm
- Saturday, October 3, 8:30am-4:00pm
- Sunday, October 4, 8:30am – 3:00pm
- Saturday, October 17, 8:30am – 4:00pm
- Sunday, October 18, 8:30am – 3:00pm
Course Fees:
- Early Bird (before June 25th) – $450.00
- Regular: $500.00
- Supporter: $600.00
This course is now full and registration is closed. If you are interested in being on the waitlist, please email us at
Course Syllabus
Please note this is a draft syllabus and details are subject to change as we finalize speakers and field trips.
2026 Course Syllabus
Instructor Bios
Gena Wood moved to California in 2008 and quickly fell in love with the state’s diverse landscapes. She has lived among the Southern California chaparral, along the foggy northern coast, in Yosemite National Park, and has called the Eastern Sierra home since 2021. Enamored with all aspects of California’s natural history, Gena is on a lifelong journey to learn as much as she can about the natural world. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection with a minor in Forest Ecology from Humboldt State University. Gena works as the Community Connections Program Director for the Eastern Sierra Land Trust, serves on the board of the Eastern Sierra Bird Alliance, and spends her free time exploring the region’s wild places- often through rock climbing or with binoculars in hand.
Michelle is a naturalist and educator with a background in history and ecology, specializing in the interconnected stories of landscape, plants, and people. She grew up among the chaparral and coastal environments of Southern California and fell in love with the Eastern Sierra after a trip in college, moving to the area in 2018. She holds a B.A in History and a B.S. in Wildlife Conservation. As Education Manager for Sierra Forever, she develops and leads educational programs that help visitors and residents better understand the region’s natural history. In her free time she can usually be found exploring the area either on skis or hiking boots, frequently stopping to admire some interesting plant or rock.