Several Washington State Naturalist volunteers surrounded by a group of children in the woods.

Washington State Naturalist Program

The Washington State Naturalist Program strives to increase public knowledge, awareness, and engagement in the conservation and stewardship of Washington’s ecosystems. 

Applications are closed for the 2025 – 2026 cohort. They will reopen in August 2026.

Please complete our short form if you would like to be put on the waitlist.

Waitlist Form

The Washington State Naturalist Program is supported by Washington State University Extension and the Washington State University School of the Environment (SoE).

Washington State Naturalist Program logo, featuring an outline of Washington state, a bee, a Pacific rhododendron, and a salmon.

Panoramic shot of people on the shore of a river

Elwha riverbank

Naturalist students observe Elwha River from the riverbank during a 2022 field tour.
Two hands holding a moon snail over water

Moon Snail

A large moon snail found during low tide at Olympic Beach.
Naturalist students walking in a line through an old growth forest

Old-growth forest

A field tour travels through the old-growth forest on Pacific Rim Institute’s acreage.
Group of people pictured from behind walking through the sunny woods

Spokane River Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Sampling

A group of Naturalist apprentices and a WSU School of Environment professor conduct an index of biotic integrity along the Spokane River.
A small plot of native prairie plants including a plethora of golden paintbrush

Golden paintbrush cultivation

At Pacific Rim Institute on Whidbey Island, they grow a variety of native plants to sell and to put on their property.

About the program

Learn more about the curriculum and current volunteer commitment that encompasses this program.

Field Learning

Discover organizations around the state that offer educational opportunities that meet the Washington State Naturalist field learning requirements.

Volunteering

The Washington State Naturalist program currently requires a volunteer commitment with one of our partner organizations.
A group of Washington State Naturalist apprentices on the beach at low tide.
Support our program!
By donating to the Washington State Naturalist program, you can help others learn about our state’s natural wonders, recruit new volunteers to environmental organizations across the state, and ensure the success of this educational program for years to come.
Make your gift today