Conservation Council
Offering teens scientific research and leadership opportunities
Conservation Council is an equity-based youth development program for teens who are passionate about environmental science
and research.
Scientific Research and Conservation Opportunities for Teens
Sonoma Land Trust’s Conservation Council empowers teens to conduct scientific research, learn about conservation efforts, experience Sonoma County’s landscapes, and gain leadership skills in a living laboratory setting.
eligibility requirements
High school student, entering grades 9−12
Participants receive stipends
Current resident of Sonoma County
Ability to attend all assigned workshops, expedition, and team research days
Team-oriented
Enthusiastic about nature and science
81%
of participants identified themselves as black, indigenous, or other youth of color
80%
of conservation council students are more likely to pursue a conservation career
60%
of youth program participants are from low-income households
Bertha’s Story
From Conservation Council to Colombia
Growing up in Santa Rosa, Bertha was always interested in nature. Her first foray into field research involved pulling bark off a redwood in her front yard, and that spark carried through to her freshman year of high school, when Bertha applied to Sonoma Land Trust’s Conservation Council. Due to space limitations she wasn’t accepted, but 2 years later as COVID restrictions loosened, she was thrilled to join the group. She was part of a 20-student cohort that dedicated over 140 hours both online and in the field, deepening their understanding of science amid Sonoma County’s landscapes. Bertha didn’t stop there, and continued to nurture her passion for environmental studies and conservation.
