New! Junior Naturalist Certification Course

New program for Fall 2024!

Discover the wonders of California, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet! With the lowest and highest peaks in the United States, thousands of endemic plants and animals, and some of the most complex and amazing waterways, California is a naturalist's dream.

Inspired by the adult California Naturalist Certification Program, this outdoor classroom offers educational hikes, exciting activities, and engaging hands-on learning sessions. Students will explore what it means to be a Naturalist, delve into Geology and Climate, study Water, Plants and Plant Communities, observe Animals, and participate in Community Science.

Perfect for students eager to take their field school experiences to the next level, this course requires participants to write in their journals independently and complete a small amount of classwork at home.  Students who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion and a Junior Naturalist Pin. 

Dive into the world of science, biology, and ecology this fall, and become an HFAC certified Junior Naturalist! 🌲🦋🌍

Dates: Wednesdays, Sept 18, 25 Oct 2, 16, 23 Nov 6, 13, 20 Dec 4, 11, 18

Mark your Calendar! On December 18th, parents are invited to join us as students who have completed the program will receive their certificate and pin!

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Time: 10am-2pm

Type: Drop-off Program

Location: Locations in Glendora and San Dimas

Cost: $840 per semester

Monthly: $210

10% discount for each added sibling

Topics may include...

• California Wildlife: Ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation.
• Watersheds and Rivers: Hydrological systems and environmental stewardship.
• Geology and Rock Formations: Geological processes and their ecological impact.
• Indigenous Cultures and Local History: Cultural heritage and land management practices.
• Leave No Trace Principles: Environmental ethics and sustainable outdoor practices.
• Insects: Ecological roles and conservation.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Habitat significance and preservation.
• Birds of California: Avian ecology and conservation strategies.
• Weather and Climate: Climate systems and environmental implications.
• Nature Journaling and Observation: Techniques in ecological observation and documentation.
• Fire and Cultural Burns: Fire ecology and traditional land management.
• Review and Reflection: Synthesis of learning and conservation insights.

Limited Enrollment - Secure your spot today!

Specific locations and what to bring/wear will be sent to all enrolled, two weeks before class begins.

Charter Funds Accepted! 

If you are using charter funds, please click on Manual Payment at checkout to bypass payment.

Instructions on how to submit your purchase order will depend on the school. Please talk to your charter school.

Real-Life Q&A from emails and messages that we have received:

Q: "How old does my child need to be for this class?"

A: We recommend this for ages 8+ as it is a little more advanced than our Monday classes. We are flexible with this age as long as the student can write in their journals without substantial assistance, and they have a profound interest in nature education. All information will be presented with an age-appropriate lecture and ecology hikes, and they will reinforce learning through journaling, hands-on projects and experiments, community science assignments and light homework.

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