Want to learn about environmental issues? Want to take local action to protect our environment? This is the program for you.
You will meet others who want to make a difference working for their environment--and we'll have a good time doing it!
In the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP), you will learn about critical environmental issues, find out what Sierra Club activist leaders are doing, learn how to be an advocate, and enjoy nature through group activities. These goals will be accomplished through presentations by Sierra Club leaders, award-winning films, selected speakers, and participation in on-going campaigns.
Participants in previous programs have included elected officials and have ranged in age from high school students to senior citizens. Many of them now play integral roles in environmental organizations (both grassroots NGOs) and in government agencies, and they are continuing to work towards building a better world.
To sign up for the ESP program, fill out the registration form. One of our leaders will contact you.
Program Details
According to the United Nations Climate Action Initiative, “Biodiversity is our strongest natural defense against climate change.” This year’s ESP program will focus on both BIODIVERSITY and CLIMATE ACTION.
We will have six online webinars from January ’25 to June ’25, on the second Thursday of each month at 7pm. The meeting dates are January 9 , February 13 , March 13, April 10, May 8, and June 12.
2023 Webinar Recordings
To revisit the 2023 ESP webinars, click here.
Questions?
For a list of questions and answers, click here. If you have other questions, email ESP@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org.
Sessions
Here's a list of the sessions. You must be registered for the ESP program to attend!
1. January 9, 2025: Keeping the Bay Alive!
Sea Level Rise and Protecting the Ecology of the Bay
Short film on sea level rise and its threat to Bay ecology, ecoservices and health.
Presentation on opportunities for natural and nature-based solutions to protect and improve biodiversity as sea levels rise through this century.
Speakers:
Susan DesJardin, Bay Alive Campaign chair
Jenna Haut, Bay Alive staff coordinator
Outing: King Tides (Date TBA)
2. February 13, 2025 : The Scourge of Plastic Pollution
Threats to Biodiversity and our chapter Campaign(s)
The dark side of artificial greening: Plastic turfs and urban surfaces are fast gaining popularity even as science is starting to expose the disastrous health effects and the widespread pollution of our aquatic environments.
Speakers:
Susan Hinton, Plastic Pollution Prevention Campaign
Sue Chow, Environmental Legislative Action
Outing: Twin Creeks sports complex & Baylands Preserve (Date TBA)
3. March 13, 2025
30 x 30 Program
Light at Night: A Glowing Hazard, Dark Skies and Bird Safety
30 x 30, a bold vision for the future of biodiversity and the climate crisis.
Artificial light at night dilutes our view of the night sky, swallowing stars and planets alike. The damaging effects of light pollution harm all living beings across the spectrum of biodiversity.
Speakers:
Shruti Chandrasekhar, 30x30
Shani Kleinhaus, Santa Clara Bird Alliance
Outing: Bonny Doon Ecological Preserve hike (Date TBA)
4. April 10, 2025
Local Government Climate Action
Addressing the climate crisis requires global action, and the fastest way to make an impact is at the local level.
With an increase in climate anxiety especially among our younger generation, what advocacy options can we provide to help them find hope?
Learn about and join our local campaigns to address climate change at the community level.
Film & Presentation
Speakers:
John McKenna & Kristel Wickham, Climate Action Leadership Team
Outing: TBA
5. May 8, 2025
Sustainable Land Use: Green Streets, Urban Tree Canopy, and Urban Waterways
More and more people appreciate the advantages offered by a green city, which increases urban biodiversity by providing a variety of habitats for plants, animals, and other species.
People also realize that water is crucial for biodiversity in urban areas. Water provides essential habitats for many plant and animal species, helps regulate the urban climate by mitigating heat islands, and plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems within the city. Biodiverse ecosystems are critical to regulating water cycles – purifying water, preventing flood damage and reducing the impacts of drought.
Green streets, an intact tree canopy, and healthy urban waterways result in significant health benefits and an improved quality of life of all inhabitants through a focus on the outdoor environment.
Film & Presentation
Speakers:
Deb Cramer, Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful
TBD, Sustainable San Mateo Greening Cities
Gita Dev, Sustainable Land Use
Outing: Bioblitz (Date TBA)
6. June 12, 2025
Backyard Ecology, Healthy Soils, and Biodiversity
The term, biodiversity applies to everything that lives in your yard: trees, plants, lizards, birds, bees, even algae. You can make a difference, create healthy soil, and support pollinators and beneficial insects by creating diverse habitats in your garden and along your street. These gardens and streets enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem health, and offer food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a wide variety of birds, animals and insects, including bees and butterflies, while also promoting human health and happiness.
Speakers:
Sam Baker, WriggleBrew founder and CEO
TBD, California Native Plant Society
Outing: TBD