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
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# of Participants
10 park agencies and their community-based partner
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Dates
June 4 - September 10, 2025
Bi-weekly sessions
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Benefits
0.3 CEU for Park Agencies
$10,000 stipend to the park agency’s participating community-based organization partner
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Level
Introductory to Intermediate
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Who Should Apply
Rural and suburban park agencies at early stage of sustainability planning or implementation
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What to Expect
Peer cohort learning and personalized support from experts
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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
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Attainable park-specific sustainability actions
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Equitable planning principles and sustainability assessment tools
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Strategic partnership development and capacity building
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Frameworks for evidence-based decision making
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Integrating adaptability into plans and supporting staff
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Authentic storytelling techniques for environmental sustainability
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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.