UC Environmental Stewards: Climate Steward

The UC Environmental Steward, Climate Stewards Certification Course will integrate locally relevant themes of the conservation of native plants and animals, environmental justice, and community stewardship. Through guest speakers, field trips, and activities, we will learn about and discuss principles and practices for increasing community and ecosystem resilience to disappearing species, creating equitable and equal access to natural landscapes, and taking action for wildlife.

Learning Outcomes

• Increase access to up-to-date and locally relevant climate science to improve climate literacy.
• Improve participants’ self-efficacy and agency by fostering climate change communications skills development, civic engagement, and local conservation and community action.
• Establish an inclusive community of practice focused on stewardship, communication, and community solutions to advance resiliency.
• Build statewide support and capacity to advance state and local climate goals.
• Meet all the course requirements.

Course Requirements

• Each Climate Stewards course consists of a minimum of 40 educational hours (online, classroom, and field time), including a minimum of 12 hours in the field.
• The online course consists of asynchronous Canvas modules that must be completed (approximately 2-3 hours a week).
• The course meets for online lectures/discussions every other week, with Saturday field trips (8 Mondays, 4 Saturdays).
• Each participant must contribute to the participatory science project adopted by the class. Our class participatory science project is Arroyo Viejo Creek restoration.
• Participants must complete a Stewardship Project in one of six areas: Community Resilience and Adaptation, Environmental and Climate Justice, Conservation/Restoration (Stewardship), Participatory Science, Education/Interpretation, or Program Support.

Course Materials

• Required Text: Climate Stewardship: Taking Collective Action to Protect California, Adina Merenlender with Brendan Buhler. (Must be purchased by participants.)
• Access to an internet-connected computer or phone and an email account for communication, online course materials, and UC Volunteer Portal access.
• An Internet-connected device with a video camera and microphone to participate in Zoom-based virtual class meetings.
• Course content is accessed through the Canvas Learning Management System.

Course Credit

Upon completing certification requirements, participants are eligible for academic credits through UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education for an additional nominal fee. Graduates who expressed interest in this opportunity with their instructor will receive a communication from the UC California Naturalist Program post-course with information on obtaining the optional credits.

For Course Scholarship Opportunities, please get in touch with [email protected]

Event Venue

Online