The University of Illinois Extension Climate Stewards program is a four-week, interactive program led by university scientists and Illinois Extension 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.
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 public education and interpretation activities.
Fall Course Details
Weekly sessions will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, October 14, October 21, October 28, and November 4, 2026. Program registration includes all four sessions. Attendance at all four sessions is strongly recommended. Program registration closes September 30, 2026.
Sessions will include hands-on learning opportunities, visits to rain gardens in Nauvoo, and a discussion with the Hancock County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) network.
Online Course Materials - Climate Stewards Fall 2026
Program participants will also be enrolled in the Climate Stewards Fall 2026 online course, delivered through Learn @ Illinois Extension. This is the online learning component of the program. Access to the course will begin on October 12, 2026.
Cost
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 Jessica Rudnick at jrudnick@illinois.edu if the fee is prohibitive to your attendance to discuss other options.
Location
Trainings will be held at the University of Illinois Extension office located at 330 S. 36th St., Quincy, IL 62301.
Program Coordinator
Jessica Rudnick
Questions? Contact Jessica Rudnick at jrudnick@illinois.edu.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Linda Derhak at lderhak2@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.