Project Duration
2022-2024
Location
Lake County, California
Background
Starting in 2022, the Center is partnering with the UC Davis Center for
Regional Change to work with key local partners
(including Tribal nations and other local governments, non-profit
organizations, educators, and others) to identify existing
environmental educational (EE) and CCS resources and
programs in the region. Our findings will contribute to the
development of additional educational materials and pilot CCS
projects that can support ongoing research in the lake area and
be conducted by community partners – including youth – from Clear
Lake communities. Building on existing assets and research, a central purpose
is to make these resources regionally accessible and inclusive.
Vision and Goals
This project supports the goals of the
Blue Ribbon Committee for the Rehabilitation of Clear Lake
(BRC) toward revitalizing the lake and its surrounding
communities:
“Youth and other residents of the Clear Lake region have the
knowledge, skills, and values needed to become effective stewards
of the Clear Lake environments and succeed in related education
and career pathways. Clear Lake region organizations, school
systems, and governments (including Tribal governments) are
collaborating to provide comprehensive [EE and CCS] programs that
leverage their unique strengths and assets.”
- Develop environmental education and community/citizen science
programs that build a stewardship ethic in the Clear Lake region
for residents, including youth.
- Promote programs that actively engage learners in hands-on
scientific discovery and that provide pathways to academic and
professional achievement.
- Actively partner with area Tribal governments and residents
in the development and implementation of programs in ways that
respect traditional ecological knowledge and current
culturally-relevant approaches to caring for the lake and the
communities.
- Ensure that Clear Lake environmental educators (K-14 as well
as extended and non-formal education) have the curriculum and
training needed to be effective in their teaching.
- Orient all activities around building local capacity for
long-term sustainability.
Project Components and Timeline
In Year 1 of the project, we are compiling information about
non-formal EE and CCS activities – broadly defined – in the Clear
Lake region. This includes projects and programs of Tribal
Nations, community-based organizations, and other local
government departments. This information will be synthesized
as a basis for planning and sharing with interested people in the
region and the Blue Ribbon Committee.
In a future phase, we may expand to documenting formal EE (such
as in formal preschool, K-12, community college, and university
programs) in the region.
Funders
California Natural Resources Agency
Partners
UC Davis Center for Regional Change, Blue Ribbon Committee for
the Rehabilitation of Clear Lake