Island County Climate Stewards

Learn practical strategies for addressing climate issues at local and regional levels.

Congratulations to the WSU Climate Stewards Class of 2026!

Become a WSU Climate Steward – Fall 2027

Next Cohort Begins Fall 2027

Classes will run September 15 – November 20, 2027

Apply now!

The WSU Climate Steward certificate course offers classroom, online, and field experiences, with 10 sessions addressing:

Social-emotional resilience and environmental justice
Trauma-aware communication and community building
WA Climate systems, modeling, and ecosystems
Climate solutions in Ag, Forestry, Energy, and Water
Climate policy and mitigation programs

This course equips you with practical tools to take climate action today in your community, building climate literacy, strengthening community engagement, and supporting a more resilient future across Washington through:

Expert guest speakers
Guided place-based tours
Curriculum curated by Washington-based scientists

Climate Steward Training Fall 2027 Application

Course Fee – $225

Early Brid Discount (before August 31, 2027) – $175.00

Become a Climate Steward

Join Washington’s Movement for Climate Education & Action

The WA Climate Education and Extension Team —a dynamic, cross-disciplinary partnership among Washington’s leading institutions—is proud to launch Climate Stewards, a program designed to elevate climate literacy, expand community engagement, and build a resilient future across the state. Together, we’re advancing education and outreach efforts that empower individuals, communities, and organizations to address climate challenges head-on.

Why Climate Stewards?

Collaborative – Join a growing network of educators, scientists, and community leaders across Washington.

Impactful – Learn practical strategies for addressing climate issues at local and regional levels.

Educational – Gain access to workshops, resources, and training grounded in the latest climate science.

WSU Climate Steward Certificate Program – Key Logistics

Exclusive Online Learning:

Online presentations with guest speakers via Zoom
Self-paced study via Canvas learning platform

Weekly Class Sessions

Time: Wednesday Evenings 6:30-8:30PM Online, self-paced study via Canvas learning platform
Dates: Fall 2027, Class Series September 15 – November 17
Final session: November 20, 2027 with Project presentations + potluck

Date	Topic
September 15 – Week 1	Introduction: Climate and Emotional Resilience
September 22 – Week 2	Climate Change: An Overview
September 29 – Week 3	Climate Communication
October 6 – Week 4	WA Climate & Earth Science: WA Ecosystems
October 13 – Week 5	WA Agriculture: Climate Change Impacts on Washington State
October 20 – Week 6	WA Climate: Ag, Water and Food Nexus
October 27 – Week 7	WA Energy: Battery, Solar, Wind, Hydro and More
November 3 – Week 8	WA Forestry: Risks, Resilience, and Responses
November 10 – Week 9	WA Climate Action: Climate Commitment Act, Legislation and Policy
November 17 – Week 10	Community Resilience: Adaptation & Mitigation
November 20 – Final Presentations	Stewardship Project Presentations + Graduation Potluck

The above is a tentative schedule and example of what to expect. Topics will be confirmed closer to the start date. Dates are subject to change.

Additional in Person Learning

Field Trips

(Attendance at 2 or more is required for certificate)

Date	Locations
	Smart Solar Projects @ Mount Vernon Library (Skagit County)
Saturday, April 18	Sea Level Rise (Island County)
	Regenerative Farming (Child’s Farm, Hamilton)
	Skagit Gleaners (Skagit County)
	Lenz Composting (Island County)
TBA	TBA

Exact dates will be added as available closer to the beginning of class. Locations are examples of past tours and subject to change.

Time Commitment

Approx. 60 hours total, including:

20 hours online class sessions
10 hours field trips
30 hours online presentations, self-paced learning, reading, and Stewardship Project work

Certificate Requirements

Attend minimum 8 of 10 class sessions
Attend at least 2 field trips
Complete Canvas-based online modules and assignments
Complete and present a Stewardship Project (individual or group, ~5-minute presentation)
Become a Climate Steward Application

Apply now! Space is limited.

Apply to participate in the Climate Stewards training and start making a difference in your community today.

Questions? Contact the WSU Island County Extension office at sarah.bergquist@wsu.edu or call 360-639-6060.

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