The Sherwood Valley Tribal Environmental Program is focused on restoring and protecting forest, meadow, and riparian ecosystems. By blending Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern conservation practices, this project aims to enhance biodiversity, reduce wildfire risk, and promote sustainability. Key goals include forest thinning, prescribed burns, riparian restoration, and the implementation of a native plant nursery and a community composting program. Measurable outcomes include improved habitats for native species, increased carbon sequestration, and strong Community engagement in climate action. Fellows will play a pivotal role in hands-on restoration activities, volunteer engagement, and educational initiatives that contribute to these goals. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Assist in implementing forest restoration activities, including thinning, prescribed burns, and riparian restoration to increase both diversity and wildfire resilience
- Coordinate and lead volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement for wildfire resilience and restoration projects and events
- Support the implementation of the Native Plant Nursery—including seed gathering, sorting, and planting—to promote native species restoration
- Support the Community Composting Program by assisting with composting operations, organic waste diversion, and tracking compost inputs and outputs
- Facilitate educational workshops and community events focused on environmental issues, climate resilience, and the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) such as carbon sequestration in traditional and modern forest health treatments, native plants as environmental restoration allies, and the role of compost in the cycle of life
- Collaborate with Tribal staff and community members to plant, maintain, and donate trees, install drought-tolerant and fire-resilient native plants, divert organic waste from landfills through the composting program, and maintain forest units for wildfire resiliency
- Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact
Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements
- Live in California by August 14, 2026
- Be at least 18 years of age by August 14, 2026
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate