Nuestro Desierto - Summer 2024 California Naturalist Application
Welcome to the UC California Naturalist Program application for Summer 2024!

The Council of Mexican Federations (COFEM) in Coachella, and our partner CactusToCloud Institute, are proud to offer the Nuestro Desierto California Naturalist Program in collaboration with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. With the Nuestro Desierto program, Coachella Valley residents will have a chance to earn a California Naturalist certification, college credits, learn more about the natural history of the desert, and become better advocates for their community!

Ideal applicants for the Nuestro Desierto Program are young adults living in the Coachella Valley intending to pursue their education after high school, supplement college coursework, and/or seek early career development. While everyone is welcomed to apply, preference may be given to young adults ages 18-24, and/or individuals from low-income or mixed-immigration status households in and near the City of Coachella. If this is not you, but you are still interested in California Naturalist certification, you may be interested in the Desert Sands & Sky Islands program at UCR Palm Desert. Learn more here: https://palmdesert.ucr.edu/california-naturalists

The California Naturalist course normally costs $425.00, but thanks to grant funding received from CA State Parks we are able to offer certification and four academic units through UC Davis Extension, at no cost to eligible applicants. Please carefully read the attendance policy and certification requirements below - your full participation is required to ensure a successful program for everyone.

Please review the course schedule below. Class meets twice a month from June through September and combines classroom and field experience in science, problem-solving, communication training, and community service. Best of all, we will be spending time outdoors visiting some of the places that make our desert special, including a University of California Research Center, a National Wildlife Refuge, and going camping in one of California's National Parks! 

COURSE STARTS SATURDAY,  JUNE 1 AT 1 PM IN THE COACHELLA LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM.

May
     Online Information session - Thursday, May 9, from 6-7 PM
     In-person Information Session - Saturday, May 18 from 2-3 PM at the Coachella Library
 Register for the information session at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nuestro-desierto-3329479
     
June
     1th Class (Coachella Library - 3 Hours ) - Saturday, June 1 from 1-4 PM
     2nd Class (Field day - 6 hours) - Saturday, June 15 at 6:30 AM 
     3rd Class (Coachella Library - 3 Hours) - Saturday, June 29 from 1-4 PM

July
     4th Class (Field day - 6 hours) - Saturday, July 13 at 6:30 AM
     5th Class (Coachella Library - 3 Hours) Saturday, July 27 from 1-4 PM

August
     6th Class (Field day - 6 hours) - Saturday, August 10 at 4 PM
     7th Class (Coachella Library - 3 hours) - Saturday, August 24 from 1-4 PM    

September
     8th Class (Field days - Camping trip to a CA National Park) - From Thursday, September 12 - Sunday, September 15 *More information will be shared with students as we start the course.

October      
     Final: Our Desert in the Park (Coachella Library Park- 4 hours) - Saturday, October 26 from 8am - 2pm
              Resource Fair & Family Activities
              Class Graduation

Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, extreme weather, and other unforeseen events, there is always a possibility that class may need to pivot lectures to a virtual model via Zoom on short notice. Please note that in this scenario in-person field trips will be a continued, as long as policy allows. If you test positive or have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home and notify our team as soon as possible.

Attendance Policy and Course Requirement. 
40+ hour course
Capstone project
Must attend in person to ALL classroom sessions, field days, camping trip, and capstone. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: May 24th
If you have any questions, please contact Jose Manzo, Conservation Fellow at the numbers or email below.

Office: (760) 567-8400
Work cell (760)609-2761
Email: JManzo@COFEM.org 

Thank you,
COFEM & CactusToCloud Institute
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What is your full legal name? *
This name will be used for your course certificate and college credits.
In person, would you like us to refer to you by a name other than your legal name listed above? 
If "yes", please list it below.
Your Email *
Your Street Address *
Your City *
Your Zip Code *
Your Age *
Your Phone *
What are your preferred gender pronouns? *
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How did you hear about this program? *
 (friend, newsletter, social media, etc)
Please describe your reason(s) for your interest in the Nuestro Desierto Program. *
Please describe your past volunteer experience.  *
Include organization(s) and the role you played.
Please describe your level of experience with the outdoors, nature, or science-based inquiry. *
Include any college degrees and relevant training. Please indicate any areas of personal interest.
What do you hope to learn from this course? *
Course requirements include reading (in English), and communication via an e-mail account. Field trips will include low to medium impact hiking and camping opportunities. Do you need special accommodations to participate? If so, please describe so we may follow up with you.
To be accepted, participants must agree to attend all the scheduled dates for this program, listed above. To be certified, participants must attend at least 40 hours of instruction during the class. Only one (1) class session can be missed, and all participants must complete a stewardship project. Participants can request a make-up session or assignment from their instructor for any planned absences ahead of time. Do you understand these attendance policies?
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