California Projects

Salton Sea Leadership Program

Our Goals
Educating and empowering community members to become advocates for the Salton Sea and Coachella Valley, fostering environmental stewardship while addressing the region’s ecological, cultural, and public health challenges.
What We’re Doing
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ California is providing hands-on learning experiences, field trips, and community engagement opportunities that deepen participants' understanding of desert ecology, conservation, and climate advocacy.
A woman in a black jacket and a blue cap embroidered with a Snowy Plover uses binoculars to scan the horizon at the Salton Sea. They have a backpack with a hydration tube and visible tattoos on their arm. The background features a vast, dry landscape with
Lindsay Rowe, Senior Education Coordinator, surveying birds at the Salton Sea. Photo: Hans Baumann

The Salton Sea Leadership Program provides hands-on learning experiences, field trips, and community engagement opportunities for individuals passionate about the Salton Sea and desert conservation. Through this program, participants deepen their understanding of the Coachella Valley’s diverse ecology, explore environmental solutions, and build connections through the joy of birding. By engaging with experts, Indigenous leaders, and conservation professionals, participants develop the knowledge and skills to advocate for this unique ecosystem and its surrounding communities.

Our mission is to foster a safe, inclusive environment where participants can explore their passions, be part of a supportive community dedicated to making a difference, and acquire the skills needed to address the impacts of climate change on the ecology of the Salton Sea region and California desert habitats.  Explore our program eligibility requirements, participant benefits, and exciting field trip opportunities below.

2026 Program Details:

  • Application Deadline: Friday, November 28, 2025
  • Program Dates: Wednesday, January 7 to Saturday, April 4, 2026
  • 10 Wednesday sessions & 3 Saturday field trips (+1 optional field trip)

Participants:

  • Learn about the ecological, cultural, and economic challenges of the Salton Sea.

  • Engage in experiential learning through field trips and guest speakers.

  • Deepen their understanding of desert ecology, conservation, and birding.

This program is a platform to inspire future leaders, foster environmental advocacy, and build meaningful connections within the Coachella Valley.

Classroom & Field Session Details
  • Indigenous Knowledge and Regional Connection
    Explore Indigenous perspectives on land, including stories, cultural heritage, and conservation insights from Native American Land Conservancy (NALC).
  • Water in the Desert
    Understand the complexities of water in the desert, including conservation, health impacts, and community science.
  • Desert and Avian Wildlife
    Learn about the endemic and endangered species of the desert and the shorebirds of the Salton Sea, developing bird identification skills.
  • Advocacy
    Dive into methods and modes of effective environmental advocacy.
  • Energy and Sustainable Resources
    Analyze the history and future of the Salton Sea’s energy economy, including lithium mining and geothermal sustainability.
  • Air Quality
    Discover the science behind air quality and how we can address public health concerns

 

  • Cultural and Historical Land Insights
    Visit an important Cahuilla cultural site and hear stories of the story of water in the region.
  • Community Science in Action
    Experience a day of bird surveying with our biologists, learning tips on identifying birds in the field and collecting data.
  • Mindfulness in Nature
    Slow down and find grounding moments in nature through the power of mindful birding.
  • Species Conservation Habitat pond visit (Optional)
    See the Species Conservation Habitat project refilling thousands of acres of ponds, that provide important habitat for birds and fish and improve air quality at the Salton Sea.
Program Benefits & Eligibility
  • 18+ based in Coachella Valley.
  • Willingness to learn and be a respectful team player.
  • Commit to participate and engage in activities for the entire length of the program.
  • BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and folks from communities that do not see themselves well represented in the conservation field are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Those curious about desert ecology, birding, and advocacy—all levels of experience are welcome.
  • Participate in 10 Wednesday evening sessions each month at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ California Palm Desert office. (Dinner Provided).
  • Attend 3 Saturday field trips (+ a 4th optional field trip). Transportation + Lunch Provided
  • Engage in hands-on community science activities.
  • Complete a capstone project showcasing their learning and impact.
  • Receive a $600 stipend upon the completion of the program.
  • Gain leadership skills: public speaking, program management, and community science.
  • Build bird identification and conservation advocacy skills.
  • Get professional networking opportunities with experts and peers.
  • Join a community of nature enthusiasts and passionate change makers!

!

Applications open through Friday, November 28th.

Questions? Contact Lindsay Rowe: Lindsay.Rowe@audubon.org. 

Partner Acknowledgement: The Salton Sea Leadership Program is supported in part by a grant from General Motors’ Climate Equity Fund.