Desert Explorations Course
Upland systems in Utah, such as the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert vary in plant and animal communities. However, these areas share common features: low precipitation (resulting in arid or semi-arid deserts), relatively high elevation, and climatic extremes including hot summers and cold winters. As a result, the plants and animals of these areas possess extreme adaptations for survival.
During a Desert Explorations course, you will spend time exploring sagebrush and pinyon-juniper communities, identifying wildflowers, and immersing yourself in the geology, history, and ecology of desert ecosystems.
Each Utah Master Naturalist course consists of 40 hours of instruction, with approximately 16 hours covered in the online course, and the remaining 24 hours spent outdoors in a field course. Field course activities will include instructor-led discussions, guest presentations on relevant resource issues, small group activities, and open discussions.
October, 2024 (Dates TBD)
Dewey, UT
Natural History Museum of Utah
*K-12 Utah Public School Teachers Only
Applications will open on July 18, 2024
Full courses include an online class and three field days. If you are unable to attend a full course, there is an option to register for the online course only.
Photos from Past Courses
Check out additional photos from the Desert Explorations Course Flickr album.
Contact
Address
Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter
1258 Center Dr
Park City, UT 84098
Phone
435-797-8943
The Utah Master Naturalist program is a Utah State University Extension certification program that teaches and certifies master naturalist volunteers and professionals. In operation since 2007, Utah Master Naturalist was developed in partnership with over 25 organizations in Utah. Designed as a knowledge-sharing program, certified Utah Master Naturalists promote stewardship of Utah's natural resources within their communities by providing education, outreach, and service.
