U.C. Cal-Nat Oceans Intensive at Bodega Marine Lab

Stewards is pleased to present our third year of the UC California Naturalist Certification Program – a Cal-Nat Oceans Intensive at Bodega Marine Lab.This is an in-person multi-day residential intensive program where students will stay at Bodega Marine Lab and spend their time exploring California natural history through a marine lens as we dive deeply into the wonders of ocean, inter-tidal, and coastal habitats. 

Instructors David Berman and Meghan Walla-Murphy will guide this journey along with multiple guest speakers who have spent a lifetime researching, photographing, and monitoring California’s ocean ecology. Even if you have already taken the standard certification course, this program will offer new insight and understanding for the place we call home. We will study kelp forests, geology of the ocean floor, marine wildlife and more. Through the University of California Naturalist Program, participants become active members in a growing movement of conservation science and volunteer activism. 

This course combines science curriculum, journaling, guest lecturers, daily field study, off site trips, and local cultural knowledge. The California Naturalist Program promotes environmental literacy and stewardship through discovery and action. All instruction, lodging, and food are included in the cost. 

Instructors: David Berman (Environmental Educator), Meghan Walla-Murphy (Wildlife Ecologist) & guest lecturers (TBA)

Course Schedule and Location: Friday January 16th, arrival beginning at 3pm with optional evening gathering. First official class starts Saturday morning at 9am, and goes until Sunday Jan. 25th 11am, 2026 at the Bodega Bay Marine Lab Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the course.

Cost: $3,000 for course, food, and lodging. A limited number of scholarships are being offered on an invitation basis only. 

Food and lodging: Dorm style lodging is the standard accommodation (2 people to a room). Private housing is available but limited for an increased fee. Meals are home cooked and served cafeteria style and made mostly from scratch using fresh ingredients. A limited number of non-lodging options are available. Please reach out with lodging and food questions to Lisa Baiter of 707-869-9177 ext. 1

Course handbook: The California Naturalist Handbook, Second Edition

Payment/refund policy: Payment in full is due at registration. Refunds for cancellations before January 1, 2026 are subject to a 10% administrative fee. After January 1 no refunds will be issued. 

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FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS EVENT, CONTACT THE INSTRUCTORS
David Berman at [email protected] and/or Meghan Walla-Murphy at [email protected]

 

 

 

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