Audubon California’s Coastal Leadership Program (CLP) proudly launched its inaugural cohort in 2024, supporting the next generation of coastal stewards in Los Angeles County! Over six transformative months, from June to November, these inspiring leaders honed their skills, tackled environmental challenges through impactful capstone projects, and built lasting community bonds—fueled by the joy of birding. Through the program, participants explored their passions and gained the tools needed to address the urgent impacts of climate change on coastal habitats and shorebirds. Together, they’ve taken bold steps toward creating a brighter future for our coasts and communities! Look back at the program and its incredible achievements below.
Weekly Evening Sessions
Session 1: Orientation
Participants engaged in activities to set program expectations and build connections. Evelyn Serrano, Director of the Audubon Center at Debs Park, led a tour of the park where sessions were held. The group created community agreements and documented their baseline knowledge of coastal conservation.
- Leading Organization/Partner: Audubon Center at Debs Park
- Instructors: Evelyn Serrano, Liliana Griego
Session 2: Shorebirds and Personal Stories
Participants explored storytelling as a tool for nature advocacy and learned birding basics, including identifying shorebirds.
- Leading Organization/Partner: Feminist Bird Club, Rooted in Nature Therapy
- Instructors: Taylor Paez, Jenny Lopez, Grace Rougier
Session 3: Coastal Access, Art, Advocacy, and Interview Skills
This session focused on how coastal access, art, and advocacy intersect to support environmental stewardship. Participants also practiced effective interview techniques.
- Instructors: April Banks, Liliana Griego
Session 4: History of Ballona Wetlands and Community Outreach
Participants delved into the history and potential future of Ballona Wetlands and learned about creating community maps to enhance engagement and activism.
- Leading Organization/Partner: Friends of Ballona Wetlands
- Instructors: Samaya Rubio
Session 5: Campaigns & Messaging
Participants studied campaign case studies and developed skills to create effective messaging for target audiences.
- Leading Organization/Partner: Audubon CA
- Instructors: Shineh Rhee, Alecia Smith
Session 6: Climate Anxiety, Climate Optimism, and Shorebird ID
This session introduced climate optimism and resources for managing climate anxiety. Participants also advanced their skills in shorebird identification.
- Leading Organization/Partner: Rooted in Nature Therapy, Feminist Bird Club
- Instructors: Taylor Paez, Jenny Lopez, Grace Rougier
Session 7: Capstone Projects and Grant Proposals
Participants began planning capstone projects and learned about grant proposals to support their work.
- Leading Organization/Partner: N/A
- Instructors: Liliana Griego
Session 8: Snowy Plover Monitoring and Coastal Dune Restoration
Participants prepared for a field trip to Santa Monica by learning about snowy plover monitoring and dune restoration techniques.
- Leading Organization/Partner: The Bay Foundation, Nature Nexus
- Instructors: Jazmin Rios, Emily Cobar
Session 9: Environmental Justice – Conversations with Coastal Agencies
Participants engaged in a dialogue with representatives from coastal agencies, discussing roles, collaboration, personal experiences, and career advice.
- Leading Organization/Partner: Ocean Protection Council, CA Coastal Commission, CA Coastal Conservancy
- Instructors: Maria Rodriguez, Javier Padilla, Emely Lopez
Session 10: Shorebird Banding and Conservation Futures
Participants explored the importance of inland wetlands for migrating shorebirds and learned about Audubon’s conservation efforts. They also practiced professional networking skills with Audubon staff.
- Leading Organization/Partner: Ocean Protection Council, CA Coastal Commission, CA Coastal Conservancy
- Instructors: Maria Rodriguez, Javier Padilla, Emely Lopez
Session 11: Reflections and Program Evaluation
Participants reflected on their program experiences and provided feedback for future improvements.
- Instructors: Liliana Griego, Sophie Michelson
Field Trip Sessions
Participants explored coastal ecosystems and collaborated with environmental organizations during immersive field trips:
- Friends of Ballona Wetlands: At Ballona Wetlands, participants were introduced to birding and bird surveys during a guided tour of the freshwater marsh.
- Aquarium of the Pacific & Tidal Influence: At Los Cerritos Wetlands, they engaged in sea turtle monitoring, community research, and invasive species removal.
- CA Fish & Wildlife Service & Sea and Sage Audubon: At Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, participants learned about endangered species management and toured restricted areas of the reserve.
- CA State Parks, Nature Nexus, The Bay Foundation: At Malibu Lagoon and Santa Monica, they participated in threatened Western Snowy Plover monitoring and coastal dune restoration activities.
Being part of the Coastal Leadership Program has been a transformative journey for many participants, providing a unique blend of hands-on experience, community building, and personal growth.
"I came into the Coastal Leadership Program this June as a new birder with no educational background in conservation or natural sciences, but I knew that I cared about coastal ecosystems and birds deeply and wanted to know how I could take action. With the program's support, I stepped into my own leadership capabilities and created events that could inspire others to harness their creativity to advocate for coastal wildlife and ecosystems." – Jennifer Wang
"The program provided me with the opportunity to learn more about birding while also learning about conservation. I went from knowing things in very broad strokes to understanding specific conservation projects, and I feel confident birding in nature and teaching others." – Nathan Carbajal
"I would do this program 100 times. I have made lifelong friends, connected with the coast, and fallen more in love with birds! I feel empowered to connect my community to nature through art and storytelling." – Flip Sarta
The Coastal Leadership Program is more than just a learning experience; it’s a space to grow, connect, and build a meaningful path toward conservation and stewardship.
Want to explore more about the CLP? Take a look at the inaugural cohort’s inspiring Capstone Projects, such as Zine Workshops led by our creative CLP cohort members, and revisit the celebration of their graduation ceremony HERE.
Excited to join the next cohort? Stay tuned for future application windows, keep up with Audubon California’s programs and opportunities HERE, and consider joining our community on social media.
