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.
Please see the About and FAQ pages for information about the Washington State Naturalist Program, including the time commitment for online learning and volunteer requirements, location requirements, and expectations for participation.
When reviewing applications, priority is given to applicants that reside in the same counties as the partner organizations.
2026 – 2027 Course Schedule
To be announced.
Instructor Information
Dr. Patricia Townsend
Patricia earned a Ph. D. in Zoology from the University of Washington and a M.S. in Zoology from the University of Florida and became a faculty member at WSU Extension in August 2012. While in graduate school, she focused on conservation biology, tropical ecology and researched habitat corridors, pollination ecology, and tropical restoration for a changing climate in Monteverde, Costa Rica. She is happy to be leading the Washington State Naturalist program to help both communities and the environment thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Patricia loves exploring Washington’s diverse ecosystems and meeting the people working to protect them.
Discussion Section
Mondays 5:00 – 6:30pm
Kellee Byard
Kellee earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan, focusing on Conservation Biology. While in school, Kellee worked in the natural areas team at UM’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum to restore native ecosystems and provide education for the public on invasive species, native plants/wildlife, and conservation practices. After moving to Washington, Kellee served a term as an AmeriCorps member with the National Wildlife Federation before joining WSU Extension in January 2023. Currently, they are a program coordinator for the Washington State Naturalist program and the Sustainable Community Stewards. They are passionate about environmental education and supporting volunteers to protect and teach about native PNW ecosystems.
Discussion Section
Wednesdays 10:00am – 11:30am
Sarah Bergquist
Sarah Bergquist is the County Director (interim, three years +) for WSU Extension in Island County. With 13 years at WSU, she provides environmental outreach and consultative support to community organizations. She helped pilot the Washington Naturalists Certification Program for the past three years and is currently working with a team to develop and pilot a Climate Stewards Certificate Program in Island, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties. She has managed Waste Wise, an outreach waste-reduction program, for almost a decade. A fourth-generation Whidbey Islander, Sarah holds a master’s degree in science education. She actively serves on the Solid Waste Advisory Board, the rePurpose Board, and the Hearts and Hammers Board. In her free moments, she enjoys gardening, camping, learning, and time with family.
Discussion Section
Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:00pm
Apply
Applications for the 2026 – 2027 cohort will open in August 2026.
What to expect if you are accepted
Applicants are admitted to the program on a first come and first approved basis. We accept approximately 50 – 55 applicants to the program. Once accepted, you will have three days to pay your course fee and register. If you are not accepted this year, you will be added to the wait list.
We will begin reviewing applications on August 24th and select participants on a rolling basis.