On Wednesday, December 17, 2025 CCE Cattaraugus and 11 volunteer trainees completed a 12-week volunteer training for the Cornell Climate Stewards (CCS) program. The Cornell Climate Stewards program trains and empowers volunteers to support their communities through volunteer projects related to energy conservation, and resilience projects related to climate. Participants learn about science and best practices for addressing climate related issues affecting their communities and complete a local volunteer stewardship project.
This is the first time CCE Cattaraugus has participated in the Cornell Climate Stewards program. Natural Resources Coordinator Kim Oudemool, trained alongside new volunteers to receive her training certificate. Kelly McDonald, Executive Director, and Climate Stewards volunteer oversaw the first time training our county. Kelly received her CCS training in 2024.
Cattaraugus County offered Cornell Climate Stewards in person and virtually as part of statewide volunteer training. Climate Stewards trainees were offered classes in a hybrid format including in-person classes held in Ellicottville alongside virtual students who participate by Zoom. Educators from multiple counties presented virtually each week to volunteer trainees from all over NY State The statewide training wrapped with 40 volunteers; 5 educators; 9 counties and NYC represented. To complete the training each volunteer was required to attend all 12 training sessions and do a short presentation on a topic that interests them. Volunteer projects support include: supporting local municipalities who are interested in becoming Climate Smart Communities through the process by coordinating data collection and projects in those communities, a group of teachers who are working to develop Climate Science curriculum to support other teachers in their classrooms and a group of speakers interested in working with home school groups and school districts to offer student experiences to build a love for Nature through Nature investigation programs. CCE Cattaraugus will be hosting workshops and educational programs in 2026.
CCE Cattaraugus received funding support from the Environmental Protection Fund as administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to support volunteer projects and training support for staff. This support has allowed our organization to bring this program to our region. If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering or participating in Climate Stewards programs, please contact the office at cattraugus [at] cornell.edu or 716-699-2377x106
Find out more about Cornell Climate Stewards: https://climatestewards.cornell.edu/
