Johnson County Extension Office, Fall 2026
Climate change is a global issue with community-level solutions. You can make a difference as a Climate Steward!
From extreme heat to flooding, Illinois communities are already living through the impacts of climate change. This fall, take the Climate Stewards Training and be part of the solution by turning concern into collective action. Together, we are building communities and ecosystems that are resilient to the changing climate in Illinois and beyond.
What is a Climate Steward?
The University of Illinois Extension Climate Stewards program is a four-week, interactive program led by university scientists that equips community members with the tools they need to communicate effectively about climate change, activate local collective solutions, and motivate others to join them.
Sessions will include conversations with local leaders, real-world scenarios, relationship building with peers, hands-on learning opportunities, and field trips. This session will be offered at the Johnson County Extension Office at 208 E Main Street, Vienna IL 62995. Week three of the session will be a field trip to Dixon Springs Agricultural Center.
Participants will leave with:
- An understanding of local public opinions and knowledge on climate.
- Strategies for navigating the social, psychological, and emotional aspects of environmental, conservation, and climate work.
- Tools for effectively communicating about climate impacts in Illinois.
- Knowledge and skills to get involved in local adaptation, mitigation, and resilience efforts.
After the program, Climate Stewards are encouraged to participate in community science projects, land and water stewardship, civic engagement, and education and interpretation activities.
Sessions will be 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays from Oct. 14 to Nov. 4. This program is limited to 18 participants. Please register by Sept. 30.
The program cost varies. The standard fee is $80. For those who can pay more and support someone else taking the course, the suggested fee is $120. Please contact the local program coordinator Erin Garrett at emedvecz@illinois.edu if the fee prevents you from attending to discuss other options.
Trainings are available in fall 2026 through five Extension offices across Illinois:
- Quincy, Adams County
- Various locations, Cook County
- Champaign, Champaign County
- Naperville, DuPage County
- Vienna, Johnson County
Questions?
Attend the online Climate Steward Training Information Session on Aug. 18 or contact Erin Garrett at emedvecz@illinois.edu.
The session will also be recorded and made available for later viewing.
The Climate Stewards program is offered through Illinois Extension’s natural resources, environment, and energy team, which provides research-based education for awareness and action to sustain healthy environments and ecosystems that support quality living and resilient communities. Extension staff empower people across Illinois to make a difference through the Master Naturalist, Climate Steward, and Master Watershed Steward volunteer and training programs.
