Discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of the East Bay Hills and Mount Diablo Range in this California Naturalist course. Through a blend of online classes with guest lectures, and in-person field trips, participants explore the region’s diverse habitats—from oak woodlands and chaparral to serpentine grasslands—while learning about its geology, ecology, and deep cultural significance to Indigenous peoples. Participants who complete the course are certified as UC California Naturalists and are eligible for 4 undergraduate units through UC Davis.
Within the framework of the UC Environmental Stewards, this course combines science, service and place-based learning.
You will engage in:
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Science curriculum exploring the geology, soils, hydrology, vegetation communities and wildlife of the East Bay Hills and Mount Diablo;
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Field trips and hands-on investigation at local natural areas in the East Bay hills and Mount Diablo to directly observe and document ecological patterns;
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Guest lectures and community science projects that link you to ongoing conservation, restoration and citizen-science efforts in the region;
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Project-based learning that empowers you to design or participate in stewardship activities—whether monitoring a sensitive species, mapping habitat change, or assisting a local land-trust initiative.
By the end of the course, you will not only have gained a strong foundation in the natural history and ecology of this unique California landscape, but you will also be prepared to take an active role in natural resource conservation, education, and restoration.
Age range: 14+
COMMUNITY EDUCATION