Climate Action & The Urban Environment

The Sacramento Tree Foundations UC Climate Stewards Certification Course will focus on the urban environment and the role it plays in climate action. The course will explore how our built environment can play an essential role in environmental justice, conservation, urban greening, and community stewardship. We will explore these themes through the unique lens of urban forestry, regional sustainability, community resilience, and local action. The course will incorporate not only an academic approach but also experiential experiences through guest speakers, field trips, participatory science, and projects.

Class: Wednesdays 6pm – 8pm Dates: May 1st – July 17th 2024

Field Trips: Saturdays 8am – 12pm Dates: 5/18, 6/8, 7/13 2024

Fees: $400

Delivery Mode: Hybrid (First and last class and field trips are in person)

Contact: Garrett Werner, garrett@sactree.org

Address:

6011 Midway St

Sacramento, CA 95828

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 effectively advance state and local climate goals

• Meet all of the course requirements

Course Requirements

Contact Time: Each UC Climate Stewards course consists of a minimum of 43 educational hours (online, classroom, and field time), which includes a minimum of 12 hours in the field. The course uses a flipped classroom approach. Students will complete online Canvas modules prior to the synchronous weekly meetings.

Required Reading and Online Curriculum

Climate Stewardship: Taking Collective Action to Protect California, Adina Merenlender with Brendan Buhler. (Must be acquired by participant and when purchased from UC Press, use the discount code “UCPSAVE30” to get 30% off)

Must complete all material in all six (6) online course modules in Canvas

Class Attendance and Field Trips

Participants must attend all classes and field trips. If a class or field trip is missed, the participant will be expected to complete make-up activities on their own time at the direction of the instructor.

Stewardship Project

Participants are required to complete a minimum 8-hour Stewardship Project in one of the program’s six volunteer stewardship project areas:

1) Education/Interpretation, 2) Participatory Science, 3) Conservation/Restoration,

4) Environmental and Climate Justice,

5) Community Resilience and Adaptation, and 6) Program Support.

The Stewardship Project allows participants to integrate their personal interests with the in-class material toward the development of an applied work project.

iSeeChange Observations and iSeeChange Participatory Science Project

During the Climate Stewards course, each participant will be responsible for registering for an iSeeChange account (http://www.iseechange.org/) and adding a minimum of ten (10) observations to the portal.

Cancellation Policy

Registrants may cancel up to two weeks before the first day of instruction for a full refund, minus a $50 administrative fee. Registrants that can successfully refer another student to replace their spot in the course before the first day of class will receive a full refund.

Instructional Methods

The course will integrate a range of instructional methods that promote active adult learning such as experiential learning, inquiry-based approaches and transformative learning. Instructors are strongly encouraged to build on the participant’s prior knowledge and experience, promote peer-to-peer discussion, hands-on activities, and other approaches.

Statement on Inclusion and Accommodations

The Sacramento Tree Foundations mission is to grow thriving communities through stewardship of our urban forest. We seek to honor the diversity and roots of this region by prioritizing equity internally and externally. We bring our whole selves and celebrate one another. From seed to slab, we work with communities to create livable and lovable communities for everyone. And by everyone, we mean everyone. If you have a learning or physical need that will require special accommodations in this class you will need to notify your instructor (Garrett Werner, garrett@sactree.org) of your accommodation needs. Please notify us at least 30 days prior to the first class if you require any special accommodations. This will allow us ample opportunity to provide suitable accommodations.

Statement on Financial Accessibility Cost

Students are responsible for course fees, purchasing books, and transportation for in-person classes and field trips. Students are also responsible for costs associated with any travel, meals and field equipment.