Ecological Range Management and Adaptive Grazing

Faculty: Wendell Gilgert, M.S. [Bio]

This course addresses whole ranch and grazing management planning and design with a focus on climate smart/regenerative practice implementation and assessment. We will explore key concepts include the Holistic Management (HMI or Savory) and the Nine Step Conservation Planning Process from NRCS. Topics Include:

• Prehistoric and historic herbivory in California.
• Resource assessments (walking/reading the land).
• Enhancing land doctoring skills.
• Grazing management strategies.
• Ranch conservation planning.
• Grazing management plans.
• Transition to new grazing strategy.
• Multi-species grazing.

Next Course Dates: 
Early Spring '26

Live-Online Discussions: 
2 hours, once a week

Regenerative Forestry

Faculty: Dr. Cindy Prescott [Bio]

The aim of regenerative forestry is to promote the abundance diversity and functioning of soil life that contributes to producing resilient forests. This can be accomplished through practices that promote the flux of carbon from plants to the belowground ecosystem. In this course we will cover our current understanding of the diversity of life belowground in forest and the fluxes of plant carbon to the belowground ecosystem, and explore how forestry practices could be adapted to promote soil biodiversity and function. 

Course Dates: 
April 8–May 2

Live-Online Discussions: 
Tuesdays, 9–11 a.m.

Course Fee: $500

Registration Deadline: 
March 24

Tribal Co-Stewardship Conservation Planning

Faculty: Ken Sandusky [Bio]

This class is an introduction to tribal relations, cultural competency, and understanding your tribal partners. We'll discuss the benefits of meaningful tribal relations, cultural applications, and the link between indigenous culture and traditional cultural practices. Specifics will include the role of wildfire in the ecosystem, traditional fire use, tribal relations techniques, partnership building, and project design and implementation. Course goals include:

• Establishing a tribal relations context that qualifies practices to be considered.
• Establishing a “systems” approach to engaging tribal partners.
• Synthesizing and integrating interdisciplinary participation to engage tribal partners.
• Establishing impacts of mainstream practices on community relations and project effectiveness.
• Understanding theory and science behind tribal relations and incorporating IEK into project design.
• Understanding the technical, social, and economic implications for transition.

Course Dates: 
April 17–May 9

Live-Online Discussions: 
Thursdays, 9–11 a.m.

Course Fee: $500

Registration Deadline: 
April 9

Regenerative Theory and Practice in Orchard Systems

Faculty: Rory Crowley [Bio]

This course provides entry-/mid-level learning outcomes and real-world resources for producers and technical assistance providers on the theory and practice of regenerative orchard management within both conventional and regenerative treenut systems. Upon completion the participant will have foundational knowledge of processes, research, implementation, and unknowns within the current treenut agro-ecosystems while being able to appreciate, articulate, and participate in its future.

Course Dates: 
May 13–June 20 

Course Fee: $650

Registration Deadline: 
May 6

Introduction to Beekeeping

Faculty: Emily Helton

Emily Helton served as a Research and Extension Technician at the University of Florida Honey Bee Lab for six years where she contributed to research on native bees, varroa mites, pesticides, nutrition, and more. She helped develop the University of Florida’s Online Master Beekeeper Program, wrote the book, "Expert Guide to Honey Bees & Beekeeping",  and leads public education efforts at the Honeybee Discovery Center.

This course introduces students to the biology of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and provides a comprehensive overview of beekeeping practices. Students will learn about the life cycle, anatomy, behavior, and ecology of honey bees and explore essential beekeeping methods such as hive management, honey production, and disease control. The course combines theoretical and practical knowledge. 

Course Dates: 
June 17–July 11

Course Fee: $500

Live-Online Discussions:
Thursdays, 9–11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: 
June 10

Whole Farm/Ranch Planning and Design

Faculty: Dr. Cynthia Daley [Bio] and Lindsey Hethcote [Bio]

This course supports the transitional process to a plan, implement, monitor, replan management framework that encourages producers and ag professionals to work through a systems lens that addresses economic success and improved land health. Participants will develop a vision that incorporates management goals, establish a land management plan, and identify metrics to quantify outcomes and reassess their plan annually. Topics include:

• Managing complex systems: establishing context to set goals with a vision.
• Farm/ranch assessment: resources and inventories from the ground up.
• Tools for enhancing resources within agroecosystems: a review of conservation practices and conservation effects.
• Whole farm/ranch planning: enhancing resources and meeting goals.
• The decision-making process: putting a conservation plan into action.
• The carbon lens: evaluating a farm/ranch plan for GHG reduction and co-benefits.
• Economic evaluation of farm/ranch plan.
• Monitoring for adaptive management.

Course Dates: 
July 22–August 29

Live-Online Discussions: 
Tuesdays, 9–11 a.m.

Course Fee: $650

Registration Deadline: 
July 14