CalNat UCR Palm Desert Center course

Full Course Website: http://calnat.ucanr.edu/Take_a_class/ucrpdc/

The UC Riverside Palm Desert Center California Naturalist course is the first course in the program with a focus on desert ecosystems. The course builds on instructor Dr. Cameron Barrow's wealth of research experience working with reptiles in Joshua Tree National Park and throughout the region. Working with local partners, the course will provide a unique look at the arid lands in Southern California and provide strong connections to local opportunities for engagement in citizen science monitoring programs. The California Naturalist Program will engage and empower the community to help protect and preserve the diverse desert habitats now and for future generations.

Natural History stands alone as a science that weaves plants, animals, geology, and climate into a tapestry of knowledge. Starting with an overview of California’s rich natural history, the UC California Naturalist program then focuses on the tapestry of the southern California deserts — from the low elevations of the Colorado Desert to the higher Mojave Desert, from isolated sand dune islands to desert mountains, often referred to as “sky islands.” 

Deserts are a huge component of California, encompassing more than one third of the state, reaching up the eastern spine of the state up north of Mono Lake, and into the San Joaquin Valley, an area sometimes identified as a separate desert ecoregion. Despite the kaleidoscope of tans, beiges, and browns that characterize deserts, deserts are rich in biodiversity, a multitude of plants and animals that are unique to this region. Natural History is a discipline best taught outside; expect to spend much of your time with your feet in the sand.

Dates: February 3 - April 13, 2024

Fees: $425

Delivery Mode: In-Person

Contact: palmdesert@ucr.edu

Course Website & Registration

Organization Description: UCR Palm Desert expands the reach of University of California, Riverside into one of the fastest growing regions of California, the Coachella Valley. Established as a teaching and research center in 2005, UCR Palm Desert is a catalyst for diversification by providing relevant regional research, offering innovative academic programs that attract and retain world class talent to the region, convening and creating partnerships that advance the public good, and enriching the cultural life of the community. 

For more than a decade, UCR’s Palm Desert Center has organized hundreds of lectures, conversations, art shows, movie screenings, and other life-enhancing programs – mostly for free – all while teaching others and conducting renowned research. 

Our mission from the beginning has been to provide cultural and life-long learning offerings to the entire desert community. We continue to be committed to that mission.