Environmental Forum of Marin Previews Upcoming Class

Applications are now being accepted for Environmental Forum of Marin’s Master Class 39, a weekly series of classes focused upon the natural world, human impacts on the environment, and stewardship.

An introductory preview of the next Master Class will be held on Monday evening, August 8, 2011. The public is invited to join Environmental Forum graduates and Board members to learn more about the Master Class program. The free event will be held at Corte Madera Town Center’s Community Room (Room #201) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

The Environmental Forum was established in 1972 by a group of stalwart environmentalists intent upon averting the future of unchecked development in Marin County. Founder Dr. L. Martin ("Marty") Griffin engaged Ellen Straus, Phyllis Faber, Nona Dennis, Kathy Cuneo, and others to convince decision-makers to protect important agricultural lands and natural eco-systems located in Marin. 

During many early battles to protect Marin from over-development, Griffin and his colleagues learned how to persuade local officials to recognize the intrinsic values of open space, watershed vitality, eco-system protection, and sensible development. In the midst of their hard-fought efforts came the understanding that they needed to teach others the same advocacy skills they had taught themselves. The founders knew that it would take the efforts of many citizens to continue the work they started. 

Now entering its 40th year, Environmental Forum of Marin is an all-volunteer environmental education and training organization which conducts programs on local environmental issues, climate change, and sustainability.

The upcoming Master Class will explore the basic principles of sustainability and environmental protection. During field trips and conversations with scientists, local decision-makers, environmental advocates, and land use and transportation planners, students develop an understanding of the role they can play in helping their communities to solve the problems posed by climate change.

During the 18-week curriculum, students train to become effective environmental advocates and complete an action-oriented stewardship project. Classes will be held on Tuesdays between August 30, 2011, and January 12, 2012.  Stewardship projects are completed between January and March, 2012. 

For further information about the Environmental Forum and its educational programs, please visit the organization’s new website, www.MarinEFM.org, or contact Program Director Nancy Bell at (415) 377-0830.