Wildlands & Waters: Ecology at the Edge

Feb.7-11, 2026

This immersive, field-based California Naturalist course is offered with an optional certification pathway. Join us as we explore life at the ecological edges of California’s desert and water systems. Based at the Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, we’ll study Colorado Desert ecology, geology, biodiversity, and climate change through daily field experiences, journaling, interpretation practice, and participatory science.

From our desert basecamp, we’ll take a full-day field excursion to the Salton Sea and Imperial Valley to witness one of California’s most complex and compelling landscapes: a terminal lake shaped by water policy, agriculture, wildlife migration, and human creativity. Sunrise birding at Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge, burrowing owl observations, and time at Bombay Beach and Salvation Mountain will deepen our understanding of how natural and cultural systems intersect at the margins.

This course is part of Teranga Ranch Wildlife’s Wildlands & Waters series and fulfills the requirements for UC California Naturalist certification (with the addition of 3 online sessions).

Expect early mornings, long but rewarding field days, shared meals, thoughtful conversations, and unforgettable learning.

Course Highlights

• Burrowing Owl Safari: Observe owls living along agricultural edges in the Imperial Valley
• Sunrise birding at Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge on the Pacific Flyway
• Salton Sea exploration: Shoreline ecology, hydrology, dust, and environmental change
• Art & ecology at Bombay Beach, Salvation Mountain, and East Jesus
• Naturalist skills: Nature journaling, interpretation, and observation practice
• Participatory science: Contribute observations to iNaturalist and eBird
• Desert nights: Stargazing and nocturnal ecology (weather permitting)
• Community & connection: Shared meals, capstone projects, and reflection
• Stay at a UC field station: Lodging and classroom time at the Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center

Participation Options
This program is offered with two participation options.
All participants take part in the same field experiences, lodging, meals, and instruction.

Option 1: California Naturalist Certification Track
Participants who choose certification will:

• Receive official UC California Naturalist certification
• Complete required coursework, participatory science observations, and a stewardship project
• Pay the additional $160 UC California Naturalist certification fee (set by UC ANR)

This option is ideal for participants who want formal certification, volunteer tracking through UC ANR, and long-term engagement as a California Naturalist.

Option 2: Field Experience–Only Track
Participants may also join the course without pursuing certification.

Field Experience–Only participants:

• Participate fully in all field activities, excursions, lodging, meals, and instruction
• Are not required to complete certification paperwork, online surveys, or the UC stewardship project
• Do not pay the additional $160 UC certification fee

This option is ideal for participants who want a deep, immersive learning experience but do not need formal certification.

Important Notes:

• Both participation options share the same daily schedule and field experiences. The difference is limited to certification requirements and UC ANR administrative fees.
• The UC California Naturalist certification fee ($160) applies only to participants pursuing certification and is paid separately from the course fee.
• This is a 5 day field trip- Eventbrite doesn't have an option to reflect this- we're sorry about that! February 7-11th.
• California Naturalist Certification ALSO involves 3 online sessions: February 4, 17th and 19th from 7pm -8:30pm