Conservation Planning Capstone

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Capstone Conservation Planning course is a culminating experience where an individual or a team apply their knowledge of the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation (Conservation Standards) to create an action plan for a real project while learning project leadership and facilitation skills.

An individual may develop an action plan for their own project, or they may work with a CWS partner who needs an action plan and is willing to provide information and support. Over 13 weeks, participants will create planning elements for each step of the Conservation Standards, including a vision statement, conservation and human well-being targets, threats, situation models, strategies, and results chains. 

The course consists of six modules, each lasting approximately two weeks. At the beginning of each module, students will meet in plenary with their instructor for up to two hours to receive instructions and leadership tips for the assignment that will span the next two weeks. Individuals and teams will have one week to create the assigned planning products. During the following week, the instructor will review the products and provide feedback. Each student will also be expected to peer-review a classmate’s project and provide feedback. Participants will respond to feedback, and at the beginning of the next module, students will again meet in plenary where the instructor will share tips on how to avoid pitfalls he observed during the review process. Students will discuss challenges and breakthroughs and will receive their new assignment.