Course Descriptions
Pasadena City College offers the Climate Stewards certification course and the California Naturalist certification course in Los Angeles County.
California Naturalist Certification
BIOL 14 Field Biology, 4 units
Pasadena City College (PCC) invites students to discover the dynamic southern California environs, engage in local stewardship challenges, and become an active member of a growing base of citizen scientists and volunteers. PCC is offering UC California Naturalist certification as part of the Field Biology curriculum focusing on the natural history of Southern California with an emphasis on the Pasadena area including the Arroyo Seco watershed, Ernest Debs Park, and Eaton Canyon Park. Interested students enroll in Biology 14 (Field Biology) a 4 unit course that satisfies the Life Science with a lab requirement for transfer to a University or, in some inter-sessions, Biology 26 ( Field Studies). The Pasadena CA Naturalist course will be offered in the summer, fall and spring terms.
Upon successful completion of course requirements, participants will have the option of obtaining the UC California Naturalist Certification ($55 Full time students/$110 other, one time fee) certification. Participants will build their resume and become a more desirable candidate to work or volunteer for public land agencies or environmental education organizations.
Dates: August 25 - December 14, 2025
Delivery Mode: In-Person
Lecture: Monday(s), 8:45 AM - 11:55 AM
Lab: Wednesday(s), 8:45 AM - 11:55 AM
Contact: Dr. Jessica Blickley, jblickley@pasadena.edu
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Climate Stewards Certification
ENVS 1 Introduction to Environmental Science, 4 units
Through the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the California Naturalist Program, UC Climate Stewards for California Communities certification program was piloted at PCC in 2020. In collaboration with partners including formal and informal science institutions, we deliver a public program that improves climate change literacy and civic engagement for community and ecosystem resilience throughout California.
Courses throughout California will combine classroom, online, and field experiences in earth systems, water, energy and agriculture; as well as communication training, citizen science, and community service opportunities. After certification, UC Climate Stewards will be encouraged to volunteer in activities ranging from community and citizen science, land and water stewardship, civic engagement, and education and interpretation activities.
The training will include an overview of state and local climate policies so that Climate Stewards is a catalyst for public participation in California’s climate change initiatives.
Program Goals
- Increase access to up-to-date and locally relevant climate science to improve climate literacy through a UC certification course for the public.
- Establish a community of practice focused on stewardship, communication, and community solutions to advance resiliency.
- Build statewide support for and capacity to effectively advance state and local climate goals.
Dates: TBD
Contact: Suzanne Iwanicki siwanicki@pasadena.edu
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Registration: Pasadena City College Admissions and Aid
Organization Description: Pasadena City College provides the San Gabriel Valley with a high quality, innovative and dynamic learning environment that inspires student success.
