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
Ô¼ÅÚÊÓƵ 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, activities, and participant benefits below. You can even dive into our classroom sessions and exciting field trip opportunities! 

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 management in the desert, including conservation, health impacts of the Salton Sea crisis, and community science preparation.
  • Geology and Water
    Dive into water sampling results and regional geology, focusing on potable water challenges and environmental impacts.
  • 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.
  • Climate Advocacy and Mental Wellness
    Discover methods of activism, art, and storytelling in addressing climate change, alongside techniques for managing climate anxiety.
  • Energy and Sustainable Resources
    Analyze the history and future of the Salton Sea’s energy economy, including lithium mining and geothermal sustainability.
  • Cultural and Historical Land Insights
    Visit historic Indigenous sites and learn about land use, conservation, and cultural heritage from Torres Martinez perspectives.
  • Community Science in Action
    Participate in water sampling and bird surveys, gathering data to study environmental and ecological health in the Salton Sea region.
  • Mindfulness in Nature
    Engage in mindfulness practices to connect with nature and support mental well-being.
  • Agriculture and Energy Exploration
    Experience the intersection of agriculture and energy development through farm and geothermal tours, understanding their environmental and community impacts.
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 Portola Community Center. (Dinner Provided).
  • Attend 5 Saturday field trips. 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.
  • Earn college credits if enrolled at College of the Desert.
  • Join a community of nature enthusiasts and passionate change makers!

The 2025 program application window is now closed. 

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.