Climate-Smart Conservation: Innovating for a Resilient Future

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Course Formats (see details below):

 

  • The challenges of a changing climate also bring unprecedented opportunities to reimagine how we think about conservation. This course explores Climate-Smart Conservation—a forward-thinking approach that integrates climate change considerations into natural resource management with intentionality and innovation.

    Using the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation (Conservation Standards) as a framework, you’ll learn how to design forward-looking conservation goals, and to consider a range of adaptation strategies that address key climate impacts and vulnerabilities. Through hands-on tools, practical guidance, and big-picture discussions, this course will empower you to create conservation plans that anticipate future challenges and inspire transformative solutions.

    Whether you're an experienced conservation planner or just beginning your journey, join us to unlock the potential of climate-smart planning and lead the way in shaping a thriving, sustainable future for our planet.

  • Spring: Learn at your own pace from March 30 - June 21, 2026

    (Early bird savings of $75 ends March 1).

    Live (recorded) meetings on Wednesdays for the first 7 weeks(April 1 – May 13 from 3:00-4:30 ET).

    See TOPICS below for the details.

  • None

  • Welcome & Big Picture Thinking – Explore the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems, define climate-smart conservation, and reflect on your personal connection to the climate crisis.

    Assessing the Future: Vision & Scope – Imagine your ideal future for a natural space, define where you will be working and not working, and explore forward-looking conservation goals.

    Identifying Climate Threats – Analyze key climate-related and non-climate threats, assess their long-term impact, and map the relationships in a situation model.

    Planning for Change: Resist, Accept, or Direct? – Discover the RAD framework and explore different strategies for managing ecological change, from maintaining resilience to embracing transformation.

    Turning Strategy into Action – Use results chains to map out short- and long-term conservation plans, and learn how different paths can lead to different outcomes.

    Implementing & Adapting in a Changing World – Experiment with small-scale innovations, model responses to climate change, and find ways to monitor and refine conservation actions.

    Hope & Action: Building a Climate-Smart Future – Share insights, explore new conservation opportunities, and find ways to leverage knowledge, partnerships, and innovative thinking to drive meaningful change.

***Click here to learn more about CWS courses***

COURSE OPTIONS & INFORMATION (Review chart above, then click below)

  • FORMAT:

    • 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace and attend live meetings (first 7 weeks of the term)

    • Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

    • After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

    CONTINUING EDUCATION:

  • FORMAT:

    • 12 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace and attend live meetings (first 7 weeks of the term)

    • Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

    • After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

    CONTINUING EDUCATION:

    CERTIFICATIONS:

    ACADEMIC CREDIT:

 

INSTRUCTOR

Sarah Cotter

 
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