Oregon Naturalist Program

In partnership with Oregon State University Extension Service, we host the Gorge Ecoregion Field Course, a key component of the Oregon Naturalist Program. To become a certified Oregon Naturalist, participants must complete OSU’s online coursework, attend one ecoregion field course, and complete 40 hours of volunteer service.

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For more information about the Oregon Naturalist certification and online coursework, visit OSU Extension’s website.

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2026 Course Dates

• Online Introduction and Session Prep: Monday, April 13, at 6:30 PM via Zoom

• Sense of Place: Sunday, April 19

• Oak Woodlands: Sunday, May 3

• Grasslands: Sunday, May 31

• Rivers & Tributaries: Sunday, June 14

• Volunteer and Potluck Day: Sunday, July 19. Time TBD

• Western Forests: Sunday, August 16

• Mt Adams: Sunday, September 13

• Capstone: Sunday, September 27

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All in-person field days begin promptly at 7:45 AM and end at 5:00 PM. 

Dates are subject to change. 

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Registration
The Gorge Ecoregion Field Course is limited to 20 participants. Priority will be given to Columbia Gorge residents and those who have waited the longest to take a field course. Please visit the course website for application details.

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For questions, contact Program Director Britney Gitch at britney@gorgediscovery.org.