About the Program


Nature for All’s Young Naturalist Training Program provides a free California Naturalist training designed for high school youth and young adults aged 16-26 from Panorama City and the greater San Fernando Valley.

Our mission is to build a diverse base of support to ensure that everyone in the Los Angeles area, especially from underserved and park-poor communities, has equitable access to nature, and the wide range of benefits that nature provides.

This program is a pathway for youth to connect with the outdoors, develop essential skills, and foster a deeper understanding of California’s unique ecosystems. Upon completing all the certification requirements, participants are eligible for four academic units through UC Davis Extension for an additional nominal fee! 

Participants in the program will:

  • Learn about environmental justice, community science, local ecology, and Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge.
  • Build outdoor skills, including hiking, Leave No Trace ethics, and identifying CA native plants.
  • Experience California’s diverse natural landscapes, from beaches to mountains, through guided excursions and hands-on activities.

This no cost program takes place in outdoor, urban park settings across the San Fernando Valley and includes two single day weekend excursions to our local mountains/beaches, a FREE Channel Islands Trip and 2 night weekend camping trips.

This is more than just an educational opportunity—it’s a chance to grow as a leader, advocate for environmental stewardship, and explore career pathways in conservation and outdoor fields. If you’re ready to discover the natural world and take the first step toward making a difference, we encourage you to apply(below)!

Course Requirements

1. Attendance & Participation

Each UC California Naturalist course consists of a minimum of 40 educational hours (combined classroom hours and field time). This course is broken down into 20 hours of classroom time, 20 hours of field trip time and 12 hours of homework time. Participants must attend 80% of classes and field trips.

2. Weekly Assignments

Every week, there is a chapter of “The California Naturalist Handbook” to read alongside questions to complete before the start of class (1). Additionally, there will be a iNaturalist scavenger hunt (2), and Nature Journaling exercises (3) to complete by the end of the course.

3. Capstone Projects

Participants are required to complete a Capstone Project (4) in one of four areas: Stewardship, Education/Interpretation, Citizen Science, or Program Support. Additionally, each participant must contribute to a classroom community citizen science project (5). More details provided once accepted into the program.

NOW Accepting Applications until February 18th, 2026.

Apply below or at bit.ly/818youngnaturalist

This program is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Loca​l ​Services. 

For any questions on the CA Young Naturalist Training, email: Araceli@lanatureforall.org