Peer Learning Opportunity for Environmental Sustainability

Parks across the country are striving to meet the needs of their local communities while navigating unique and ever-changing environmental circumstances. NRPA is offering a 16-week immersive, cohort-style program for park professionals with a vested interest in equitable environmental resilience that are ready to take the next step or not sure where to begin.

Park agencies are invited to apply alongside a partner community-based organization to increase their knowledge, understanding and implementation of environmental sustainability planning and practices through technical assistance, practical application, and peer learning opportunities to support them as they develop and implement community-driven sustainability practices at parks. 

Benefits at a Glance

# of Participants

10 park agencies and their community-based partner

Dates

June 4 - September 10, 2025

Bi-weekly sessions

Benefits

0.3 CEU for Park Agencies

$10,000 stipend to the park agency’s participating community-based organization partner

Level

Introductory to Intermediate

Who Should Apply

Rural and suburban park agencies at early stage of sustainability planning or implementation

What to Expect

Peer cohort learning and personalized support from experts

Value

There is no cost to participate. NRPA will offer 25 hours of technical assistance through group incubator-style workshops and individual support, as well as access to tools, resources and a strong peer network. 

What To Expect

  • Eight live, 3-hour virtual workshop sessions hosted bi-weekly over four months.
  • One 1:1 coaching session for park agencies and their CBO partner.
  • Additional asynchronous trainings, including NRPA's Green Stormwater Infrastructure Certificate, professional development, one Field Marketing Report, peer-to-peer support and networking opportunities.
  • $10,000 stipend for each participating Community-based Organization (CBO) partner to support their time in the program and collaboration with park agency.
  • Opportunities for national visibility through NRPA and partner publications.

Key Topics Covered

Attainable park-specific sustainability actions

Equitable planning principles and sustainability assessment tools

Strategic partnership development and capacity building 

Frameworks for evidence-based decision making

Integrating adaptability into plans and supporting staff

Authentic storytelling techniques for environmental sustainability

Opportunities to Join

There is one more Cohort of the Sustainability in Practice program in 2025. Space is limited in each session — we welcome you to apply.

Cohort 3: Program runs from June 4 to September 10, 2025. 

How to Apply

Apply here for the upcoming cohort of the Sustainability in Practice program. The application period begins on Tuesday, February 18, and closes on Friday, April 11, at 11:59 p.m. PST. 

Click here for more information about the program, or visit our FAQ page here.

 

Apply Here

 

Have Questions?

Watch our quick 10-minute Informational Webinar.

For more information or questions, please contact NRPA’s Resilience Team at resilience@nrpa.org.

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