CNPS Workshops
Workshops & Professional Training
California Native Plant Society plant science training workshops provide botanists, biologists, land managers, and ecologists the scientific skills and practical experience necessary to assess, manage, and protect native plants and lands in California and beyond.
High Quality, High Value
All CNPS workshops feature:
Expert Instructors
Hands-On Learning
Beautiful Field Sites
Small Class Sizes
Science-Backed Skills
Registration for 2026 Plant Science Workshops is now open!
Vernal Pool Plant Taxonomy
Registration is Full
April 19-21, 2026
Davis, CA
Taught by Carol Witham and Jennifer Buck-Diaz
CNPS Members $650 / Non-Members $700
Vegetation Rapid Assessment/Relevé
May 19-21, 2026
Hastings Reserve in Monterey County, CA
Taught by Betsy Harbert and Paul Excoffier
CNPS Members $600 / Non-Members $650
Rare Plant Survey Protocols
Registration is Full
July 7-9, 2026
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Taught by Heath Bartosh, Aaron E. Sims, & Kristen Nelson, with a guest lecture from CDFW
CNPS Members $650 / Non-Members $700
Introduction to Plant Identification
Registration is Full
August 19-21, 2026
Santa Cruz, CA
Taught by Nick Jensen, and Brendan Wilce
CNPS Members $650 / Non-Members $700
Identification of California Grasses
Registration is Full
October 17-18, 2026
San Jose, CA
Taught by Dr. Doug Stone and Sharon Estrada
CNPS Members $600/ Non-Members $650
General Information
Before registering, please review our workshop waiver and photo release, participant expectations, cancellation policy, and registration and payment policy. Note that some details, including exact locations of classroom or field sites, may be subject to change.
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If you have questions about any workshops, or suggestions for future workshop topics and instructors, email education@cnps.org.
Scholarships Available
CNPS is committed to reducing barriers and broadening participation in our workshops. We are offering financial support opportunities for students, early professionals, or anyone who may not otherwise be able to attend. This scholarship will cover the cost of one CNPS plant science workshop. In some instances, CNPS will also provide monetary assistance for travel and accommodations.
The scholarship form is due six weeks before the workshop date that you would like to attend. You will be notified within four weeks of the workshop date about the financial aid determination. Please fill out the form below to be considered as a potential recipient of a workshop scholarship.