What Is the Rocky Mountain Naturalist Program at CSU Extension?

Updated

The Rocky Mountain Naturalist program is a flexible online certificate offered through CSU Extension, designed for anyone interested in nature, ecology, and conservation. It builds a comprehensive understanding of the Southern Rocky Mountain region through five online courses. It fits you if you want structured, region-specific naturalist training but can't commit to in-person classes — and it's a certificate program, not a degree.

What the program covers

According to CSU Extension, the program is:

  • Online and flexible — you complete coursework remotely, on your own schedule.
  • Five courses — the certificate is earned by working through five online courses rather than a single class.
  • Region-focused — the content centers on the Southern Rocky Mountain Region, so you learn the ecology, species, and conservation issues specific to that area.
  • Open to anyone — CSU Extension describes it as designed for "anyone passionate about nature, ecology, and conservation," with no stated prerequisite background.

Who it's for

The program suits people who want to:

  • Learn regional natural history and ecology in a structured way
  • Earn a certificate rather than a college degree
  • Study online instead of attending local, in-person programming
  • Connect their interest in conservation to a formal learning path

If you're looking for a full academic credential, this isn't that — it's a non-degree certificate. If you want hands-on local volunteering instead, CSU Extension's separate Colorado Master Gardener® program is the closer match.

How it fits with other CSU Extension offerings

CSU Extension organizes its work across topic areas including Agriculture, Natural Resources, Garden & Landscape, Insects & Pests, and Youth Development. The Rocky Mountain Naturalist program sits within that broader natural-resources and conservation focus, alongside volunteer programs like Colorado Master Gardener.

Program Format Focus Credential
Rocky Mountain Naturalist Online, flexible, five courses Southern Rocky Mountain ecology and conservation Certificate
Colorado Master Gardener® Volunteer-based, local Horticulture education and community service Volunteer program

How to get started

  1. Go to the CSU Extension website and open the Rocky Mountain Naturalist program page (linked from the Program Spotlights section).
  2. Review the five course descriptions to confirm the content matches your interests.
  3. Enroll through the program page and complete the courses at your own pace.

The site does not publish pricing or enrollment deadlines in the material available here, so check the program page directly for current cost, start dates, and registration steps before committing.