Student Naturalist Training (EH 180)
Are you a UC Merced undergraduate student interested in exploring nature and sharpening your observational skills? You can now take the Merced Vernal Pools & Grassland Reserve (MVPGR) Student Naturalist Training for 4 units under the new Environmental Humanities major. This hands-on, semester-long course immerses you in the ecology and stewardship of local vernal pool and grassland ecosystems through nature journaling, sketching, birding, plant and wildlife identification, field navigation, and drone technology. You will also earn the MVPGR Student Naturalist Certificate and gain the skills to lead educational trips, assist in research, and support conservation efforts, all while deepening your connection to the natural world and building environmental literacy.
The Student Naturalist Training is offered every Spring semester.
Student Naturalist Training Spring 2026 offering:
Junior Naturalist Program
Are you a local middle school teacher looking to spark curiosity, strengthen science skills, and immerse your students in nature? The Junior Naturalist Program offers curriculum-aligned, naturalist-led field trips that bring students outdoors to explore local habitats through hands-on activities—from field investigations to classroom lab connections. With six no-cost trips available this spring, it’s the perfect opportunity to inspire environmental literacy and a lasting connection to the natural world.
The Junior Naturalist Program is offered every Spring.
Junior Naturalist Program Spring 2026 offering:
