Wanted: Climate stewards

Attention would-be climate stewards, the Sonoma Ecology Center is taking part in a pilot program to train volunteers in climate protection.

The 2022 UC Climate Stewards Course runs Jan. 29 to March 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

As one of nine pilot programs across the state, the seven-week course seeks to foster a committed corps of volunteers ready to effectively engage in transformative local solutions to promote community and ecosystem resilience in a changing climate. The course will introduce participants to social-emotional learning and trauma-aware practices, climate change communication, climate science and community resilience planning.

The course will also integrate locally relevant themes of fire, water and inclusion. “Through guest speakers, field activities and participatory science we will learn about and discuss principles and practices towards increasing community and ecosystem resilience to fire, drought and floods, Ecology Center officials described in an announcement of the class.

Among the course goals are:

• 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 resilience

• Build statewide support and capacity to effectively advance state and local climate goals

The course fee is $489. Sugarloaf is located at 2605 Adobe Canyon Road in Kenwood.

For information, visit sonomaecologycenter.org.