This page has Webinar links for the January-June 2025 program.
- IMPORTANT: To view the page for the current program, go to Environmental Stewardship 2025-2026
- NOTE: The 2025-2026 program is in person only and does NOT offer a Zoom option.
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.
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 had 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.
2025 Webinar Recordings
1. Keeping the Bay Alive! Sea Level Rise and Protecting the Ecology of the Bay
This program included a short film on sea level rise and its threat to bay ecology, ecoservices and health and a 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
2. The Scourge of Plastic Pollution. Threats to Biodiversity and our Chapter's Campaign(s)
This program focused on the dark side of artificial greening: Plastic turfs and urban surfaces are fast gaining popularity even as science is starting to expose its disastrous health effects and the widespread pollution of our aquatic environments.
Speakers:
- Susan Hinton, Plastic Pollution Prevention Campaign
- Sue Chow, Environmental Legislative Action
3.
30x30 Program
Light a Night: A Glowing Hazard, Dark Skies and Bird Safety
The first part of this program discussed how artificial light at night dilutes our view of the night sky, swallowing stars and planets alike. The damaging effects of light pollution affects all living beings.
The second part was about a bold vision for the future of biodiversity and the climate crisis (30x30).
Speakers:
- Dashiel Leeds, Conservation Assistant, Sierra Club Loma Prieta
- Shruti Chandrasekhar, 30x30 Campaign
4. Local Government Climate Action
While addressing the climate crisis requires global action, 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?
In this program, we learned abou local campaigns to address climate change at the community level and how to join them.
Speaker:
Kristel Wickham, Climate Action Leadership Team
5. Sustainable Land Use: Green Streets, Urban Tree Canopy, and Urban Waterways
This program asked why more and more people appreciate the advantages offered by the concept of a green city, which can increase urban biodiversity by providing a variety of habitats for plants, animals, and other species.
- Water is crucial for biodiversity in urban areas because it provides essential habitats for various 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.
This also contributes significantly to health benefits and the quality of life of all inhabitants through a focus on the outdoor environment.
The program included a film and presentations.
Speakers:
- Deb Cramer, Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful
- Sustainable San Mateo
- Gita Dev, Sustainable Land Use
6. June 12, 2025
Backyard Ecology, Healthy Soils, and Biodiversity
This program discussed biodiversity: 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.
Speaker: Native Plant Gardens, Elaine Salinger, Sierra Club Executive Member