Climate Stewards
Are you interested in learning how to engage with community level actions that address climate change? Join County Parks for our 2025 Climate Stewards course.
About the course
Climate Stewards is an 11-week climate change education and service course for adults that combines online learning and dynamic field experiences to explore the interconnectedness of Santa Clara County's natural resources and human communities.
Facilitated by a team of interpretive naturalists and local experts, this program is presented in partnership with the University of California Environmental Stewards program. Continuing education units through UC Davis are available for an additional fee.
After certification, Climate Stewards will volunteer 40 hours with County Parks in activities ranging from community science, land and water stewardship, civic engagement, and education and interpretation activities.
Class meetings will be online via Zoom and in-person at various Santa Clara County park locations. Students will use the online Canvas learning platform for self-paced readings and assignments, as well as our class discussion boards.
2025 course schedule
January 26-April 13, 2025
6:30-8pm – Wednesday virtual sessions on Zoom
9:00am-1pm – Bi-weekly in-person Sunday Field Days
See course syllabus for more information.
Course fees
$180 - paid in full by two weeks before first class date.
Limited partial scholarships will be available. Indicate need on application form.
Course requires the purchase or loan of Climate Stewardship: Taking Collective Action to Protect California.
Attendance requirements
Participants must attend:
• January 26 for the opening class session.
• At least 5 of the 6 required Wednesday evening Zoom sessions, not including optional Office Hours on 2/19, 3/5 & 4/2.
• One Group Stewardship Project orientation on 2/22 or 2/23. (Date will depend on which project you choose.)
• All Field Days (February 9, March 9, April 6), and
• April 13 for stewardship project presentations and graduation
If a participant is unable to attend a field day, they must notify the instructor as early as possible. Participants may be able to arrange a make-up field day at the discretion of the instructor.
Who can apply?
This course is open to all Santa Clara County residents ages 18+. No prior education in science or environmental studies is needed, and current college students are encouraged to apply. Four, undergraduate, college-level credits are available for an additional fee through UC Davis. Applicants outside Santa Clara County may be considered if space is available in the course. Due to the rigor of the course assignments, field explorations, and reading assignments outside of the noted instructional times, it is important that applicants review the syllabus and be prepared to devote an average of 4-6 hours/week to the course for the duration of the program.
Applications for our 2025 cohort have closed. Visit the Environmental Stewards website for more Climate Stewards courses happening across the state of California.
Questions?
For questions about the Climate Stewards course or the application process, please contact [email protected]
This course is brought to you by Santa Clara County Parks in partnership with the University of California.
For more information on the UC Climate Stewards program, visit the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Department website.