Green University 2026 - Conservation Rooted in Place April 22, 2026

Course Description

• Green University 2026 – Conservation Rooted in Place is a place-based professional learning experience designed for DCSD educators, sustainability leads, administrators, and community partners interested in integrating sustainability and environmental systems into classroom instruction. The purpose of the course is to support educators in connecting teaching and learning to local landscapes, history, and community expertise in meaningful, standards-aligned, and student-relevant ways. Participants engage in hands-on, experiential learning at Cherokee Ranch and Castle, exploring local environmental systems, conservation and land stewardship practices, water and wildlife education, and the site's historical context. Through partner-led breakout sessions, guided exploration, and collaborative dialogue, learners examine how community partnerships and real-world environmental practices can be translated into practical, adaptable classroom experiences that foster student engagement, systems thinking, and stewardship.
• Lead Learner (Facilitator): Beth Church | Kimberly Rankin
• Credit(s) and Type: Up to 6 Hours Relicensure

Target Audience

• Admin/Pro-Tech, Certified Staff, Classified Staff
• Open to Substitute Teachers = Not at this time
• Open to Student Teachers = Not at this time 
• Open to Charter School Staff = Not at this time

Meeting Information

• Date: April 22, 2026
• Optional Hike - 1:30 - 4:00 PM
• Session - 4:00 - 7:30 PM
• Location: Cherokee Ranch & Castle | 6113 N Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, 80135Links to an external site.

Course Outcomes

Here are the outcomes for the course:

• Describe how local landscapes, historical context, and community-based environmental organizations can serve as authentic learning environments, drawing on examples from partners representing wildlife, land stewardship, water systems, and conservation.
• Identify opportunities to connect place-based environmental learning to classroom instruction, including clear pathways for aligning experiences supported by community partners with Colorado Academic Standards.
• Design learning experiences that foster student stewardship and systems thinking by leveraging local expertise, real-world environmental practices, historical context, and cross-sector community partnerships.