He-Lo Ramirez is one of nine California State University, Chico fellows in a pilot AmeriCorps program, which is striving to empower Californians to safeguard the climate, reduce impacts on the environment, and protect community health.
Recently, Ramirez and another fellow, sophomore Frankie Torres, welcomed junior high students to campus for a cultural and ecological tour along the banks of Big Chico Creek. Read more here.
According to Chico State Today, Ramirez developed the idea for a fellowship based on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Its premise is to educate the young about native plants and their uses, the critical need for pollinators, and supporting habitat.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in 2019, Ramirez completed his teaching credential and enrolled in the first cohort for the master’s degree in wildland management.
He continues working in the Office of Tribal Relations, where he helped create a Native Cultural Tour and is helping establish a traditional gathering program on campus. He also works as a cultural steward and wildland firefighter at the University’s Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve, blending his personal knowledge and education with his passion for conservation.
Meanwhile, the university said other Climate Action fellows are working with the director of energy and sustainability; an interdivisional partnership for first-term students; the Butte Environmental Council; and the Paradise Recreation and Park District.
Alternative transit and trail efforts, climate education conferences and workshops, and events and activities for community members and students will advance climate action and climate education into the start of the fall term.
For 10 weeks, the fellowship students will dedicate 250 hours to on-the-ground climate action and climate education, and spend another 50 hours in mentoring and professional development. In exchange, they earn a $4,000 living allowance and a $1,300 educational award to put toward their college expenses.
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