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Canopy is offering the UC Climate Stewards certification course in Santa Clara and San Mateo County. The course prepares participants to engage within their communities with integrated nature-based climate solutions, community science about local green spaces, and communication to advance community and ecosystem resilience in the urban forest.
This 9-week course requires 43 in-class hours, including online workshops, tree planting and tree care fieldwork, and 8 hours of volunteer service on an urban forestry stewardship project. The asynchronous work will strengthen participants’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and agency by building climate literacy, introducing local opportunities for nature-based climate mitigation and adaptation, and fostering climate change communications skills.
Canopy’s UC Climate Stewards Certification Course will focus on urban tree planting and tree care as nature-based climate solutions, integrating climate science communication, environmental justice, and community stewardship. This course includes certification as a UC Climate Steward upon completion of all course requirements, with the opportunity to become a Canopy-Certified Community Forester and the option to obtain 4 undergraduate credits through UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education.
Online Zoom classes: Thursdays, September 25 through November 20, 2025, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Outdoor field experiences:
Cost: FREE
Este curso es bilingüe con traducciones en directo del inglés al español.
This is a bilingual course with live translations from English to Spanish.
Applications for the Fall 2025 session will open in late summer 2025. Email Canopy’s Adult Education Coordinator, Desiree Humphers, at [email protected] with any questions.
This program is in partnership with the University of California and made possible by a generous grant from the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors.
To support community forestry efforts and education like Community Forestry School, consider a gift to Canopy. Donate here.
Week 1: Intro to Community Forestry
Thursday, September 19 | 6:30-8:30 PM
The collection of trees in a city is called an urban forest, but what exactly is an urban forest and what does it do for us? Learn about the benefits of trees, urban forestry, and the importance of community action to steward and speak for the trees.
Week 2: Tree Biology & Identification
Thursday, September 26 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Learn how to identify trees and the science behind how trees grow and function! Understanding how trees grow helps us understand how to best maintain and care for them. Tree identification helps us understand the basic composition of the urban forest so we can also understand and connect with the trees around us. This class provides a foundation of tree knowledge to help you with the rest of the course.
Thursday, October 3 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Selecting the right tree for the right place is essential for the long-term health of an urban forest. Learn how Canopy selects species and specimens, and why re-oaking is a valuable way to make our landscapes more resilient for the future.
Thursday, October 10 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Learn how Canopy Arborists conduct site assessments at properties throughout the Midpeninsula. This class will dive deeper into tree selection and placement, local policies that impact where trees can be planted, and how you can make site assessments for yourself and your neighbors.
Thursday, October 17 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Proper tree planting methods are important for the establishment and survival of trees in an urban landscape. This class will prepare you to plant a tree at your own home, or at local schools, parks, and neighborhoods through Canopy’s planting events.
Week 6: Tree Care & Health Assessment
Thursday, October 24 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Trees can experience changes to their rooting environment, abnormal precipitation levels, invading insects and pathogens, and much more. Learn the best practices for early tree care, how to assess the health of trees, and when to call an arborist.
Thursday, November 7 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Pruning trees during their first few years is critical to long-term health and vitality. In this class, you will learn the art, science, and skill of pruning young trees for good structure and longevity.
Thursday, November 14 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Our urban forests face many threats from development, pests and diseases, global climate change, and lack of funding and public awareness. Learn about urban forestry, city government, and local urban forest advocacy issues from folks who have been doing this for years, and find out how to take action in your community.
Week 9: Graduation Celebration
Thursday, November 21 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Celebrate the completion of Community Forestry School with Canopy Staff, review what we have learned, and discuss future urban forestry opportunities.
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Testimonials from past Canopy Community Forestry School graduates:
“It was like overnight, I was able to understand the trees around me. Suddenly everything was obvious- why that tree was planted under the power lines, how that tree was pruned, how that tree is mulched, etc. I was immediately connected. Everything I was learning was right in front of me all along.”
“I’ve always loved trees, but I have a much deeper understanding now of why trees are so important to our local communities. I learned about inequities in the distribution of trees in the region, why that matters, and what we can do about it. I have resources now to advocate and care for trees that I didn’t have before, and I intend to continue the learning process and translate what I’ve learned into action.”
From California ReLeaf, a statewide organization that supports California’s urban and community forests through grassroots efforts and strategic partnerships:
“Canopy’s Community Forestry School delivers high-quality training on important urban forest topics from tree planting and maintenance to community advocacy — engaging volunteers to steward and speak for trees in their communities. Their educational programs have been inspiring and helpful to other urban forest community groups — whether just starting out in this work or seasoned nonprofits.” – Cindy Blain, Executive Director of California ReLeaf
