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Peninsula Naturalist Program

Exploring Nature. Empowering People. Inspiring Stewardship.

Watch Video Presentation
Coming Spring 2026

The Peninsula Naturalist Program is a new initiative designed to deepen the public's knowledge of the Palos Verdes Peninsula’s unique natural environment while strengthening community connections to conservation. Created by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, the program offers an accessible, high-impact learning experience for audiences of all ages and backgrounds and a launching point for students to take action that benefits the community and environment.

Recognition & Certification

Upon completion of the program, participants will be formally recognized and awarded their certification at a culminating event, attended by community leaders, sponsors, donors, and local media, celebrating their achievements and commitment to stewardship. For individuals engaging in educational enrichment for personal rather than certification purposes, the benefits lie in applying the knowledge gained to more effectively communicate the significance and value of natural landscapes.

Program Goals

• Expand awareness of the Peninsula’s rich biodiversity, natural history, and conservation story for lifelong learners seeking environmental knowledge or service opportunities.

 

• Provide high-quality training and enrichment for students, volunteers, educators, and community members with limited access to in-person programming.

 

• Strengthen understanding of the responsible use of natural lands, foster a culture of stewardship, engage communities, and cultivate the next generation of environmental advocates.

 

• Strengthen community members’ capacity to advocate for and speak on behalf of the land

PROGRAM CONTRIBUTORS

The video series, created in partnership with Emmy-award winning director & executive producer, Chris Burke, Founder of Lima Charlie Creative. Burke has worked with the PVP Land Conservancy and has produced several videos, including the Go Wild for the Peninsula campaign series.

Travis Longcore, Ph.D.

UCLA Adjunct Professor; Science Director of The Urban Wildlands Group

Desireé Reneé Martinez, M.A., RPA

Gabrielino (Tongva) Tribal Archaeologist; Member of the Tongva Cultural Collective and the Tongva Basketweavers Collective

Austin Hendy, Ph.D.

Assistant Curator, Invertebrate Paleontology, Natural History Museum

Monique Sugimoto, Ph.D.

Archivist, PV Library District

Randy Harwood

Award-winning nature photographer; PVP Land Conservancy board member

Kevin Coffey, Ph.D.

Geology Instructor, UCLA

Cris Sarabia

Conservation Director, PVPLC

Greg Pauly, Ph.D

Curator of Herpetology and co-director of the Urban Nature Institute, Natural History Museum

Impact

• New cohorts of the Certified Peninsula Naturalists and program participants can apply their knowledge through hands-on experiences in preserves, educational programs, internships, and other volunteer leadership opportunities.

 

• Integration with high school classrooms to enhance student learning with a focus on leadership development and local action initiatives.

PROGRAM FEATURES

The Peninsula Naturalist Program features a series of professionally produced educational videos highlighting key ecological themes and conservation practices unique to the Peninsula. Renowned experts guide viewers toward a deeper understanding and appreciation of the land around them.

  • Cultural History and the history of the Peninsula’s Land Conservation

  • Geography and Climate of the Peninsula

  • Fire Resiliency and Native Plants

  • Geology & Paleontology

  • Native Flora & Fauna

  • Restoring local ecosystems and Research

  • Community Science

  • Exploring and Enjoying the Land

For information about corporate, foundation, or individual sponsorship opportunities in support of the Peninsula Naturalist Program, please contact Melissa Foster, Development & Communications Director, at (310) 541-7613 x202 or via email at MFoster@pvplc.org

I’m Interested! Let me know when the program is available!

To be put on the mailing list for sign-up information, send an email to kroth@pvplc.org

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