2026 Naturalist Training
Certified Amigos Volunteer Naturalists teach students and adults about the history, ecology, birds and all the other amazing facts of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
2026 Class Schedule:
Thursday, January 15: Introduction, orientation & expectations, in-person class
January 19-28: Assignment 1, Birds & Endangered Species online video
Thursday, January 29: Birds & Endangered Species quiz discussion (virtual)
February 2-11: Ecology and Plants online video; Fish & Invertebrates reading
Thursday, February 12: Ecology, Plants and Fish quiz discussion (virtual)
Saturday, February 14: Ecology and Plant Walk at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
February 16-25: Assignment 3, History and Past Restoration online video
Sunday, February 22: BCER Perimeter Tour, in-person drive/walk
Thursday, February 26: History and Past Restoration quiz discussion (virtual)
March 2-11: Assignment 4, Climate Change video and Sustainability Study reading
Thursday, March 12: Climate Change video and Sustainability Study reading quiz discussion (virtual)
Saturday, March 21: Demo Tour at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Saturday, March 28: New Naturalist Graduation & Volunteer Recognition Celebration
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Attend introduction, all zoom sessions, and all field trips; watch all videos; and complete quizzes. Four quizzes (Birds & Endangered Species, Ecology, Plants & Fish, History & Past Restoration and Climate Change) are open book, so use the manual, notes from videos, etc. Quizzes must be submitted no later than the Wednesday prior to the corresponding Thursday zoom session. 75% required to pass
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Volunteer a minimum of two hours each month to lead Amigos field trips/tours/outreach.
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Attendance is required at one Last Saturday of the Month Bird Walk (January 31 OR February 28), one First Saturday of the Month Tour (February 7 OR March 7), and one FLOW Friday (January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 20, March 6 OR 13). We understand life happens, so please let us know as much in advance as possible if you must miss a zoom session or field trip.
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We strongly encourage you to attend any public and/or private tour as an observer. Free public tours are the first and last Saturdays of every month. We’ll let you know dates and times of upcoming private school tours when the class is underway.
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Limited scholarships are available for those with financial need; class fee is reduced to $35. Send your request for a Scholarship Application to info@amigosdebolsachica.org
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Monday, January 12, 2026
Passing on your knowledge and educating others is a huge part of being a volunteer naturalist. The Amigos de Bolsa Chica offers a variety of opportunities for our Naturalists to teach people of all ages about the wonders of the Bolsa Chica.
Community involvement saved the Bolsa Chica wetlands from development, and
it will always be needed to educate
visitors and protect the Bolsa Chica’s treasure
of biodiversity.
