This spring, Sonoma State University’s Department of Biology is giving students a front-row seat to climate action. Through a partnership between CCAC and BIOL 351: Climate Change Biology, students learn directly from Fellows Enchandra Johnson and Matthew Lana while engaging in projects in the SSU Agroecology Garden.
Johnson and Lana work with Dr. Bentley to ensure CCAC standards are incorporated into the class, support students in tracking volunteer hours, and provide educational materials to enhance learning.
“I can help inspire others to get involved and understand that everyone has a role in addressing climate change through everyday actions and community engagement,” Johnson said.
Johnson, a CCAC Fellow whose host site is the Center for Environmental Inquiry (CEI), explained that the partnership was inspired by a shared goal of connecting climate science education with real-world climate action.
BIOL 351 is a lecture and laboratory course that explores nature’s response to climate change, including species range shifts, ecosystem ecology, and emerging conservation strategies.
Students examine current observations and predictive models to understand environmental change and potential solutions.
The CCAC is the nation’s first state-level climate service corps, placing more than 400 Fellows each year with public agencies, Tribes, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations across California to support climate resilience and sustainability initiatives.
Johnson said the collaboration aligns closely with the Biology Department’s commitment to environmental education, sustainability, and community engagement, adding that collaboration between students, faculty, and community partners is essential to addressing climate change.
“Programs like CCAC allow universities to combine education with service and leadership in climate action,” said Johnson. “Partnerships like this are very important because they show students that climate solutions happen not only through research and policy, but also through local action and community involvement.”
Under the guidance of Bentley and the Fellows, students participate in sustainable food systems, soil health, and the role of gardens in climate resilience. They also experiment with the bioswale system, which manages water runoff and supports sustainable landscaping, and work in the native garden and urban greening projects.
The garden lead, AJ, teaches them about food production in the campus garden and how it supports the campus and local community pantries.
Johnson has also participated in fellowship programs focused on public health and community service, experiences she said strengthened her commitment to environmental education and climate action.
Students interested in applying or learning more about the California Climate Action Corps can visit: caclimateactioncorps.org/home
