California Tree School | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

From finding your way in the woods to prescribed burn planning, UC ANR’s California Tree School is a chance to explore foundational forestry concepts in a community space.

Three people standing and laughing outside.

See highlights from this year's Santa Cruz and Oakhurst sessions on the Forest Stewardship Instagram!

WHAT IS CA TREE SCHOOL?

California Tree School is a one-day, Saturday event where attendees take 4 forestry classes of their choice. Classes are led by UC ANR academics and other natural resource professionals, with formats including lectures and hands on activities. Throughout the day, attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with local resource organizations at the Exhibitor Fair.

Offered through the UC ANR Forest Stewardship Education Initiative, CA Tree School is an opportunity to engage with forestry education in a new, personalized way.

CA Tree School is for those looking to expand their toolbox of forestry knowledge: landowners, college students, career professionals, environmental volunteers, and everyone in between!

A day of classes at CA Tree School looks something like this...

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CA TREE SCHOOL'S IMPACT

"Thank you! As a local land steward, this was a huge opportunity to learn and connect. I hope you come back to Santa Cruz County."		"Well attended, professional volunteers, and knowledgeable instructors."
"Great talks and great people! The truffle class and forest health class were my favorites!"		"We came away from Tree School with a definite understanding of what stewardship meant. I wanted more time in each session! We have a responsibility now that we own a piece of land. It's so important to take care of it."

100%

of 2024 participants "strongly agree" or "agree" that participating increased their overall knowledge.

99%

of 2024 participants "strongly agree" or "agree" that class information was comprehensive and instructors were knowledgeable.

96%

of 2024 participants rated their overall CA Tree School experience as "excellent" or "very good".

percentages taken from post-event survey data.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Revisit the 2025 sessions!

Santa Cruz Presentations
Document "The Big Fire in the Big Basin": D.Mulvaney
Document "Dynamics of Coastal Forests": G.Gilbert
Document "Forest Inventory (Advanced)": R.Sampson
Document "An Introduction to Innovative Biomass and Forest Products of California": C.Chen
Document "Introduction to Plant ID: Common Plants, Tools, Tips, and Tricks": D.Benterou & L.Bard
Document "Truffle Fungi of the Sierra Nevada Mountains": C.Bivins

View all Santa Cruz Session photos on the UCCE Forest Research and Outreach Facebook!

Oakhurst Presentations
Document "CALFIRE's Grant Programs": B.Mattos
Document "Fire Ecology 101": K.Shive
Document "Forest Pathology: An Awareness": M.Mackenzie
Document "Insects of the Foothills and Forests": B.Bulaon
Document "Introduction to Botany": D.Benterou
Document "An Introduction to Innovative Biomass and Forest Products of California": C.Chen
Document "Landscaping with California Native Plants": R.Allen
Document "Planting Hardwoods and Conifers after a Wildfire": R.Allen
Document "Soil Health: The Basics": S.Rosenberg
Document "Targeted Grazing for Vegetation and Fuels Management": F.Mashiri
Document "Tree Hazard Awareness for Forest Workers": B.Mattos
Document "Truffle Fungi of the Sierra Nevada Mountains": C.Bivins

View all Oakhurst Session photos on the UCCE Forest Research and Outreach Facebook!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a day at CA Tree School look like?

A: CA Tree School is a full day event, with each attendee participating in four classes. The day is split into four blocks (A, B, C, D), with a catered lunch between Class Block B and C. Each class block is approximately 90 minutes.

Q: How do I choose my classes?

A: Once you have decided which session you will attend, explore that session’s catalog of classes. The ‘Event Schedule’ pages list which classes will be offered at each time, and you can find details about each class under the ‘Class Descriptions’ pages. When completing the registration form, you can select your 1st and 2nd class choices for each time slot.

Q: Will both CA Tree School sessions offer similar classes?

A: Yes! Some foundational forestry concepts such as forest mapping and forest inventory are offered at multiple sessions, in addition to the more region-specific topics.

Q: Do you offer scholarships?

A: Yes, we offer need-based scholarships to assist with the registration fee. More information will be provided when 2026 sessions are announced.

Q: Can I bring my children to CA Tree School?

A: This event is for ages 15+.

Please forward all other questions to CA Tree School coordinators Kim Ingram (kcingram@ucanr.edu) and Katie Reidy (kkreidy@ucanr.edu).