Climate-Ready Education
Program Overview
The future of our climate is uncertain and there is no time like the present to prepare our urban ecosystems for the hotter and drier days that are to come. Tree Davis is committed to educating our communities about the importance of urban trees and the practices to maintain them. We believe major change can start with our future leaders.
Thanks to grant funding from CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection), we are able to work with high school students by providing an internship program at select high schools throughout Yolo and Solano County.
This internship meets each week for an hour. In sessions, we will learn about and discuss a wide range of topics such as urban forestry design and maintenance, climate change, environmental justice, and civic engagement. This program is for students of all levels of experience and it is a great opportunity for anyone interested in trees.
In addition to what we learn in the classroom, much of this program is spent outside. Together we will be planting Climate-Ready Trees, taking care of existing tree landscapes, and learning new skills for how to steward urban green spaces. Throughout the program, we will have guest speakers from the urban forestry field who specialize in research, local government, and the tree care industry. By the end of the internship, students will have the tools to continue working with trees in their communities or even begin careers in the urban forestry field. Participating students can use this internship towards eligibility for the California State Seal of Civic Engagement.
This semester, we are excited to be working with Dixon High School, Winters High School, Career Readiness Academy, and River City High School. We look forward to returning to DJUSD and WUSD schools this spring.
We hope to create an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for students to explore what roles they can play in fighting climate change. If this program seems interesting to you, please reach out to our Environmental Education Program Manager, Elizabeth Hursh via email elizabeth@treedavis.org to learn how you can join!
“I liked how we talked about many different topics, and I learned a lot of information. It was really a interesting and informative program and I would definitely attend next year!” (Davis Senior High School student, Spring 2023).
“This program helped me achieve my goal of community work and helping my community in ways I didn’t know about before. It helped me grow closer to others in and out of the program and exposed me to new things.” (Washington Middle High School student, Spring 2023).
“My goal of learning the benefits of trees & plants against climate change were definitely met. I love this program, and would love to do it again!” (Washington Middle College High School student, Spring 2023).