The UC Climate Stewards Program
 

UC Climate Stewards at Effie Yeaw Nature Center

The UC Climate Stewards program builds climate literacy and empowers participants to take meaningful, locally grounded action in response to climate change. The course blends climate science, communication, community engagement, and stewardship through a mix of online learning, interactive discussions, guest speakers, field experiences, and project-based learning. Social-emotional learning and trauma-aware practices are woven throughout the curriculum to support effective and inclusive climate action.

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Effie Yeaw Nature Center is pleased to host the UC Climate Stewards course, with instruction led by Cathy Johnson, an experienced educator and climate stewardship leader. This locally focused course integrates regional themes such as fire, water, ecosystem resilience, and community stewardship, while connecting participants to statewide and global climate solutions.

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Course Format and Schedule

This course will be held primarily online via Zoom, with additional in-person guided field trips and self-guided independent field experiences discussed during the first class meeting.

• Dates: February 9 – March 30, 2026

• Class Meetings: Monday evenings, 6:00–8:30 pm

• Field Trips: Two to three weekend days (Saturday and/or Sunday), dates and locations TBD

• Age Requirement: 18+

Course Overview

Participants will explore:

• Climate science and locally relevant climate impacts

• Climate communication and interpretation strategies

• Community resilience and adaptation planning

• Civic engagement and stewardship pathways

The course emphasizes collaboration, personal agency, and practical skills that participants can apply within their own communities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Increase climate literacy using up-to-date and locally relevant climate science

• Build confidence and skills in climate communication and community engagement

• Participate in a supportive community of practice focused on stewardship and resilience

• Complete all requirements for UC Climate Stewards certification

Course Requirements

To earn UC Climate Stewards certification, participants must complete the following:

• Instructional Time:

  • Minimum of 43 hours, including at least 12 hours of field experience

• Required Reading and Online Work:

  • Read the entire Climate Stewardship: Taking Collective Action to Protect California handbook

  • Complete six online learning modules and assigned homework through Canvas

• Attendance:

  • Attend all evening classes (only one absence permitted with approved make-up work)

  • Complete a minimum of three field experiences (guided or independent)

• Stewardship Project:

  • Complete an 8-hour stewardship project in one of six focus areas

  • Projects must be approved within the first three weeks of class

  • Participants will give a short presentation (5–10 minutes) at the end of the course

• Participatory Science:

  • Contribute to the class participatory science project (e.g., iSeeChange or an Effie Yeaw Nature Center project)

• Evaluation:

  • Completion of the post-course evaluation survey

• Volunteer Portal:

  • Log stewardship hours in the UC Volunteer Portal

Participants are encouraged to continue volunteering after the course and aim for at least 40 volunteer hours per year in climate-related stewardship, education, or community resilience activities.

Cost and Registration

• Tuition: $300 general 

• Materials: Participants must purchase the required course handbook

Cancellation Policy

Registrants may cancel up to two weeks prior to the first day of instruction for a full refund, minus a 10% processing fee. Cancellations within two weeks of the course start date are not eligible for a refund.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment. Participants who require accommodations should notify the instructor at least 30 days prior to the first class to allow adequate time for arrangements.