Champaign County Extension Office, Fall 2026
Climate change is a global issue with community-level solutions
The world is changing, and we're seeing the impacts every day in Illinois. Weather patterns have shifted significantly in the past century, with Illinois dealing with both warmer temperatures and more precipitation. Intense rainfalls have led to increased urban and rural flooding as well as more frequent summer drought stress and the potential for water shortages.
Local actions add up to big impact
The Illinois Extension Climate Stewards program is a course that trains community members to communicate effectively about climate change, activate local collective solutions, and motivate others to join them. Our vision is to build communities and ecosystems that are resilient to the changing climate in Illinois and beyond.
Climate Steward participants will gain:
- An understanding of 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
Dates:
- Oct 14: 3-6, Champaign County Extension
- Oct 21: 3-6, Champaign County Extension
- Oct 28: 3-6, Siebel Center
- Nov 4: 3-6, Champaign County Extension
*This is a series of sessions; the course includes all 4 sessions, each of which will have its own topics.
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, Karla Griesbaum, at kherzma2@illinois.edu if the fee prevents you from attending to discuss other options.
Want to learn more? Attend the Climate Stewards Informational Session on Aug. 18 to hear more about the program from the local hosts.
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.