Earn your CalNat certification on the beautiful Central Coast of California, near Morro Bay. Rich with natural science wonders in forest, field, and shore, you will learn the required natural history basics of the CalNat program with a marine science flourish. This Nature Up Close CalNat Program at Camp Ocean Pines is led by Chris Cameron and passionate expert naturalists and professors.  This immersion program includes 7 days of field trips and lectures from enthusiastic leaders with decades of experience in the field. Food, lodging, materials, and field trips are included in the cost.

 

About the course: 

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Dates: Saturday, August 17 at 1pm, to Friday, August 23, 2024, at 2pm.  6 nights, 17 meals. Field trip transportation during the course will be in personal vehicles.

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Course fees and costs: Pre-payment or on-site $1,840/person. 

• Includes all UC fees, instructors, materials, certificate, pin, camp use, field trips, AND room/board at Camp Ocean Pines - 6 nights lodging and 17 meals.  Arrive at 1pm for
  dinner, settle in, and introductions Saturday, Aug 17. Program ends with graduation and lunch Saturday, Aug 23.

• The California Naturalist Handbook is required and must be read before arriving. 

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• NOTE: You can receive 4 Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) from the UC system for an additional fee of $100 paid directly to the UC System.

 

Primary contact: Chris Cameron,                                                                    805-441-9736

 

Costs and Cancellation Policies:  Creating a CalNat course is a commitment to the UC System, our lodging facilities and amazing instructors. These costs must be covered.

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• A 20% non-refundable registration fee is required to sign up for the class, with 50% due at 90 days (May 18, 2024), and 100% due 60 days (June 27, 2024) before the course

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• The CalNat Course requires a minimum of 10 paid students. If there are not 10 paid students 30 days prior to the start date (July 17, 2024), the course will be cancelled.  All monies will be refunded if course cancellation occurs. The course will NOT be canceled for weather.  If the facility we stay at cancels for weather, all monies can be refunded or applied to the next course. 

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• If you must cancel, please contact us as soon as possible.  If canceling between thirty (30) and sixty (60) days of arrival date (June 27-July 17, 2024), a cancellation fee is required equal to 50% of the course cost.  If you cancel within thirty (30) days of arrival date (June 26, 2024), a cancellation fee equal to 100% is required.  Since this is a financial commitment, you may consider trip insurance.
   

More info: UC California Naturalist Program

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iNaturalist Project

Sign up for the free iNaturalist app.  We will be adding to the existing project titled: “Plants and Animals of Camp Ocean Pines” from this course.

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California Naturalist Syllabus

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California Naturalist Schedule

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Want to come but need a sponsor? Fill out the sponsorship application form HERE.