Registration for the 2026-27 Naturalist Training is now open! Please see this year’s details and registration page below.
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Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC) is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the Upper Newport Bay. The cornerstone of our educational mission is the Naturalist Training course offered annually since 1990, featuring classes and field trips led by experts that provide in-depth knowledge about the natural history and ecology of the Bay and prepare volunteers to share this knowledge with the public as the leaders of our programs. Our Naturalists go on to guide public kayak and walking tours in the Bay, educate students from elementary school through college, lead restoration projects, and share our story with the broader community of our watershed. The course is offered at a nominal fee of $35.
Program Overview
To support leadership development, the course consists of 2 parts:
- Knowledge-Acquisition component (Sept-mid Dec): This includes class sessions on different topics every Thursday evening and Saturday morning through the fall season. Trainees gather knowledge about different aspects of the Bay’s natural history.
- Skill-Building and Practice component (Jan-Jun): This flexible component asks trainees to choose a minimum of two 4-part program training series (out of a total of 6 training options), and collaborate with other trainees to develop and run a new program. During this period, trainees are building the skills and confidence to take on lead roles in our programs.
At the completion of the program, trainees earn a Newport Bay Naturalist name badge and certificate and are honored at a summer volunteer celebration.
Prerequisites
For those not yet volunteers with us, the prerequisite for this course is Associate Volunteer Orientation/Training. Learn more about becoming an Associate Volunteer HERE.
~ ~ ~ The full program requirements and tentative schedule for this year’s training can be viewed HERE. ~ ~ ~
Ready to take the leap and become a Newport Bay Naturalist?
Complete our Registration Form HERE.
Any questions can be directed to Hilary Cunningham, Education Manager at hilary.cunningham@newportbay.org.
