learning and development as an experienced naturalist. Participants also record observations in an online field data collection and social networking tool called iNaturalist. Registration and Fees: The course registration fee is $750. Class size is limited to 25 participants. Fees include lodging, meals, course instruction and field sessions, graduation certificate, California Naturalist registration, website support, and lapel pin. Students will be provided a nature journal, but will need to purchase the required text, The California Naturalist Handbook, prior to the start of the course. For an additional fee, Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are available through UC Davis Extension to teachers and undergraduate students who successfully complete the course. If you desire CEUs, please speak to the course coordinator. Refund policy 4 weeks before the course (10/5/15): full refund minus a $25 service charge 2 weeks before the course (10/19/15): refund minus lodging ($120) and a $25 service charge. Lodging will be refunded if we can find an applicant on the waiting list able to take the place of the person canceling. 1 week before the course (10/26/15): no refund unless we can find an applicant on the waiting list able to take the place of the person canceling. If we can find a replacement participant, refund minus a $25 service charge. Required Text: The California Naturalist Handbook, UC Press, 2013 Meeting Times and Locations: The California Naturalist Yosemite immersion class will meet at the Sierra Nevada Research Station in Wawona, California (just inside the south entrance to Yosemite National Park) midday on Sunday, November 1. We will depart after lunch on Saturday, November 7, 2015. The course schedule is outlined Guest speakers will present information and lead discussions about specific topics. Field sessions correlate with each topic. Readings listed are from the California Naturalist Handbook. Homework questions and assignments will be available at a later date. Day 1: Sunday, November 1st 11:30 – 1:00 Cabin assignments, unpack, settle in Location: Sierra Nevada Research Stations, Yosemite Field Station 7799 Chilnualna Road, Wawona, 95389 1:00 – 2:30 Welcome, introduction to the California Naturalist Program, Volunteer Management System, and iNaturalist Location: Field Station classroom
Reading: Chapter 3, Water 12:00 Lunch (Yosemite Valley) 1:00 – 4:00 Plants Location: Tuolumne Grove Staff: Kaitlin Lubetkin, Sierra Nevada Research Stations Reading: Chapter 4, Plants 5:30 Dinner 8:00 – 9:00 Homework, discussion, etc. Location: Field Station classroom Staff: Participants Reading: Chapters 3 & 4 Day 4: Wednesday, November 4th Prior to 9:00 Breakfast, assemble food for lunch 9:00 – 12:00 Forest, Woodland, and Range Resources and Management Location: Chowchilla Mountain Road, Wawona Staff: Len Nielson, CAL FIRE Reading: Chapter 5, Forest, Woodland, and Range Resources and Management 12:00 Lunch (Wawona) 1:00 – 2:00 Animals Location: Station classroom Staff: Steven Lee, USGS Reading: Chapter 6, Animals 2:00 – 4:00 Journaling, iNaturalist Location: Wawona Meadow Staff: Participants Reading: none 4:00 Free time, work on capstone 5:30 Dinner 7:00 – 8:00 Homework, discussion, etc. Location: Station classroom Staff: Participants Reading: Chapters 5 & 6 Day 5: Thursday, November 5th Prior to 8:30 Breakfast, assemble food for lunch 8:30 – 4:00 Animal Hike with on Avifauna; lunch on the hike Location: Wawona area Staff: Pete Devine Reading: Chapter 6, Animals