The Grossmont College California Naturalist Certification course is taught by Judd Curran, full-time Professor of Geography, GIS, Field Studies, and Global Issues in the Earth Sciences Department at Grossmont College.  Learn more about Professor Curran.

We acknowledge that this online course is taking place throughout the unceded territory of California, home to nearly 200 tribal nations, and potientially beyond California in other unceded territiories of the West.  We acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of our various regions.  As a student of this course, you are encouraged to learn which tribal nations are indigenous to the area where you are now living.  One source of information you can explore to learn more is the Native Land interactive map. 

To earn certification as a California Naturalist at Grossmont College requires successful completion of Honors Geography of California (Honors Geography 170) -- a co-designed course with the University of California that explores the natural history of California by examining the physical and cultural regions within the state and their relationships.  Emphasis will be on the geographic factors that will broaden your knowledge of the California environment including climate, water, tectonics, natural vegetation, agriculture, industry, economy, and population -- an exciting place-based exploration of the natural environments and socioeconomic connections within the most exceptional state in the Nation.

The course design includes:

• Weekly Online Asynchronous Instruction:  Work around your schedule to complete course content each week online

• One In-Person Orientation Meeting at Grossmont College

• Three In-Person Half-Day Field Trips to natural environments in the San Diego Region

• One Final Presentation and Certificate Awards Meeting at Grossmont College

• Occasional Zoom Check-In Meetings

The learning outcomes of the California Naturalist Certification Course include:

1. To be able to describe and explain California’s location relative to the tectonic system, and thus why it is so seismically active and topographically diverse.

2. To be able to describe and explain California’s location relative to the general circulation of the atmosphere, summer vs. winter, and all that implies.

3. To be able to describe the evolutionary response to climatic variation within the state, in association with its topography, resulting in its spectacular diversity of ecosystems.

4. To be able to describe the natural distribution of water resources in the state relative to human development and demographic trends, and thus be able to explain the logistical, political, and ecological implications that result.  Likewise, the situation for the entire arid West.

5. To be able to name California’s major sub-regions, and describe and explain the site, situation, and economic base of each.

6. To be able to describe the unique demographic diversity of California, both in terms of the innovative strength it brings and challenges it presents.

7. To understand what it means to be a naturalist.

8. To integrate knowledge about the interconnectedness of abiotic, biotic and cultural factors and their influence on the natural history of California.

9. To develop skills in making and recording nature observations in a field notebook.

10. To apply knowledge of the local bioregion to local and global environmental issues.

11. To recognize the value of natural and cultural resources to our community & society.

To earn Certification as a California Naturalist, students must successfully complete all of the following:

1. Successfully complete Geography 170 -- Geography of California, and in the same semester...

2. Complete and submit the Honors Contract Commitment and Agreement form by the due date.

3. Pay the non-refundable UC certification fee by the due date.

4. Read “The California Naturalist Handbook” by Greg de Nevers, Deborah Stranger Edelman, and Adina Merenlender.

5. Read the UC ANR California Naturalist Series short publication titled, “Natural History of the California Current”.  

6. Attend the CalNat Orientation meeting (Week 2: Monday 6 pm – 8 pm)

7. Attend and actively participate in 3 local half-day field trips (Week 3, 9, and 12: Friday 9 am – 12 pm) within the greater San Diego region.  Field sites may include...

   1. 1. • Mission Trails RP

         • Balboa Park

         • Torrey Pines State Park

         • Fault-Line Park (Rose Canyon Fault Zone)

         • Crestridge Ecological Reserve

         • Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary (Audubon)

         • Tecolote Canyon Nature Park

         • Rose Canyon

         • Marian Bear Memorial Park

         • Other sites

8. Attend the final presentation and certificate awards meeting (Week 16: Thursday 5 pm - 7 pm)

9. Create a field journal with entries for each field trip using the techniques presented in class.

10. Record at least 20 observations in the course iNaturalist participatory science project using a cell phone and the iNaturalist App.

11. Complete a Stewardship Project (≥ 8 project hours + 5 min presentation) in one of the following areas:

• Community Resilience and Adaptation

• Environmental and Climate Justice

• Conservation and Restoration

• Education and Interpretation

• Participatory Science

(more details about the stewardship project will be provided at the orientation)

The next California Naturalist Course offering is a 16-week course in the Fall 2025 semester beginning August 18th, 2025, and ending December 12th, 2025.  During those 16 weeks, there will be regular course content activities online that need to be completed each week (with some flexibility within each week to complement your existing schedule).  In addition, the following in-person activities will be essential to your success (Dates below are for Fall 2025):

• Orientation Meeting: Monday August 25th, 2025, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

• Field Trip #1: Friday September 5th, 2025, 9:00 am to Noon

• Field Trip #2: Friday October 17th, 2025, 9:00 am to Noon

• Field Trip #3: Friday November 7th, 2025, 9:00 am to Noon

• Final Presentations & Certificate Awards: Thursday December 11th, 2025, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

• Occasional Brief Zoom Check-In Meetings (TBD)

The timeline for signing up for the course as well as learning the content and completing the requirements of certification are listed below:

1. The first step can be performed anytime in the months leading up to and including the Wednesday prior to the first day of class.  The first step is to apply to the California Community College sytem online (not necessary if you are already a current California Community College Student).  More details about how to apply can be accessed in the "How To Enroll" section below.

2. Register for Geography 170 section #3168 in the Fall 2025 schedule between April 28th*, 2025 and August 15th, 2025.  *Your assigned registration date may be scheduled after April 28th, and sometime later within the month of May.  Space is limited -- don't hesitate to register as soon as you are eligible.  Once registered, be sure to pay your registration fees in Self-Service or in-person at the Grossmont College Cashier's Office (Building 10). More details about how to register and pay the registration fees can be accessed in the "How To Enroll" section below.

3. Once you have successfully registered for Geography 170, then the next step is to complete the Geography 170 Honors Contract Commitment and Agreement Form.  Complete and submit anytime before the start of the semester, or by the date of the scheduled in-person orientation meeting at the very latest.  More details about how to access and submit the form can be accessed in the "How To Enroll" section below.

4. Pay the non-refundable University of California Certification fee.  Pay anytime before the start of the semester, or by Thursday of the 2nd week of the semester at the very latest (Thurs August 28th before 5:00pm).  More details about how to pay the certification fee can be accessed in the "How To Enroll" section below.

5. In advance of the start of the course, obtain necessary supplies (see the "Fees and Other Necessities" section below).  

6. If you have a disability or other accessibility accommodation, please inform Professor Curran before the start of the semester ideally, or in the first week of the semester at the very latest.

7. In advance of the start of the course, download and install the iNaturalist citizen's science app on your smartphone and sign-up for an account.

8. In the week prior to the start of the semester ("Week #0"), watch for email communication from Professor Curran with helpful information on how to get started with the course.  In Week #0, login to the Canvas Course Management System at Grossmont College.  If necessary, you can obtain assistance with your sign-in credentials at the Grossmont College Technology Help Desk.

The Grossmont College Earth Sciences Department is proud to offer an affordable option for participants to earn California Naturalist Certificaiton.  Below is a list of the Fall 2025 fees for the course, certification, and other necessities:

1. Registration fees:  The California Naturalist Certification course at Grossmont College is a 3.0-unit course.  The state of California currently assesses a registration fee of $46/unit for California residents.  The resident registration fee for the California Naturalist Course at Grossmont College is $138.  In addition, Grossmont College assesses $22 in other mandatory fees.  The total registration fee including other fees for the course is $160.

2. Certification Fees: The University of California assesses a certification fee to administer and support the Environmental Stewards Program (which includes the California Naturalist Certification Program).  The fee is $110 (or, a reduced fee of $55 for full-time students taking a minimum of 12.0 units in the same semester).

3. The California Naturalist Handbook:  Available from University of California Press, the handbook is required reading.  A 30% discount is offered to California Naturalist Certification participants (under $25 with the discount) when purchasing from UC Press.  In addition, limited loan copies may be available for students in need.  The handbook consists of science-based information about California’s Natural History and lays the basis for skills that naturalists use to address today’s environmental issues.  The handbook contains eight chapters and covers a broad range of topics:

   1. 1. 1. • Chapter 1: California Natural History and the Role of Naturalists 

            • Chapter 2: Geology, Climate, and Soils 

            • Chapter 3: Water 

            • Chapter 4: Plants 

            • Chapter 5: Forest, Woodland, and Range Resources and Management 

            • Chapter 6: Animals 

            • Chapter 7: Energy and Global Environmental Issues 

            • Chapter 8: Interpretation, Collaboration, and Participatory Science

4. Other Supplies:  Notebook paper (8.5"x11") for taking notes, pens, pencils, a colored pencil set, erasers, and a small manual pencil sharpener.  A clipboard can be handy when in the field, but is not required.  Basic supplies to keep you comfortable while outside in the field for several hours at a time (for exampe: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a bag or backpack for your supplies, close-toed walking/hiking shoes, appropriate clothing for a variety of weather, snacks, refillable water bottle, etc.)

5. Nature Journal:  A nature journal (a separate unlined smaller notebook -- around 5.5"x8" is ideal) will be utilized to develop observational skills while recording observations in the field.  Professor Curran's favorite is the Strathmore Mixed Media softcover 5.5"x8" unlined journal.  But, any blank notebook will suffice.  Notebooks with heavier paper designed for "mixed media" will allow the use of ink, or water color paints if desired, without bleeding through.  At a minimum, a dedicated "nature journal" of unlined paper for in-field observations will be necessary to contain pencil notes, data recordings, colored pencil drawings and sketches.

6. Smartphone:  A modern smartphone with camera capable of supporting the free iNaturalist citizen's science app.

7. Computer Access:  Grossmont College provides all enrolled students with access to free open computer lab spaces on campus to utilize computers that have high-speed Internet (hours are limited to Monday-Friday).  Otherwise, you will need regular access (multiple times per week consistently) to a personal computer with Internet, a built-in (or external) microphone, camera, and sound.  Use the free "Google Chrome" browser on your computer when engaging with course content to minimize compatability issues.

8. Transportation:  Participants will need to secure transportation to Grossmont College for the orientation meeting, and to selected field sites in the region for the 3 field trips.  Carpooling options may be available on a volunteer basis, and will be coordinated at the orientation meeting.

Want to sign-up for the course?  Awesome!  Whether you are already a Grossmont College or other Community College Student, or you are a first-time student or life-long learner, here are some details to walk you through the process...

1. The first step can be performed anytime in the months leading up to and including the Wednesday prior to the first day of class.  The first step is to apply to the California Community College sytem online (not necessary if you are already a current California Community College Student).  The application takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and confirmation usually arrives within 24-48 hours of application submission.  Once confirmed, you will receive a Grossmont College student ID number that you can use to register for the course.  Use this link to access the application and for guidance on how to apply:  Apply to Grossmont College .  Don't hesitate to use "The Virtual Welcome Center" on the application page for assistance.  Note:  If you already have a degree/s, are a returning student, or a life-long-learner, don't get bogged down in the application with digging up the history of all of your previous colleges/universities/dates where you accomplished your prior learing.  Listing just one of those is likely sufficient.  If you are at any point struggling to complete the application process, please reach out to "The Virtual Welcome Center" accessible from the "Apply to Grossmont College" link, or email Professor Curran.

2. Register for Geography 170 (section #3168 in the Fall 2025 schedule) between April 28th*, 2025 and August 15th, 2025.  *Your assigned registration date may be scheduled after April 28th, and sometime later within the month of May.  Space is limited -- don't hesitate to register as soon as you are eligible.  Register using the Grossmont College "Self-Service" registration system.  If necessary, you can obtain assistance with your sign-in credentials at the Grossmont College Technology Help Desk.  Once registered, be sure to pay your registration fees in Self-Service or in-person at the Grossmont College Cashier's Office (Building 10).  As of Spring 2025, the registration fees are $160 for California residents (comprised of registration at $46/unit, or $138 for a 3.0-unit course, plus a $20 health fee and $2 student representation fee).  Always check the Grossmont College website for current registration fees.

3. Once you have successfully registered for Geography 170, then the next step is to complete the Geography 170 Honors Contract Commitment and Agreement Form.  The form can be downloaded using the link below.  Fill-in, sign, and return to Professor Curran anytime before the start of the semester, or by the date of the scheduled in-person orientation meeting at the very latest.  Form:  Honors Contract Commitment and Agreement Form

4. Pay the non-refundable University of California Certification fee (regular participant: $110; full-time student taking 12.0 or more units $55) by cash or check in-person to the Grossmont College Cashier's Office.  Tell the cashier that you want to pay the "California Naturalist Certification Fee".  Save your receipt and present it to Professor Curran at the in-person orientation meeting.  Pay anytime before the start of the semester, or by Thursday before 5:00 pm of the 2nd week of the semester at the very latest.