Last of the Solano RCD marsh visits become creek watershed explorations

SUISUN CITY — The final parade of sixth-graders to the Suisun Marsh starts today with Oakbrook Academy of the Arts students headed for Rush Ranch.

"The three-hour field trip to the Suisun Marsh allows students to conduct investigations into the effects of pollution and drought on this unique ecosystem. Each excursion begins with a land acknowledgement and incorporates hiking and scientific observation, giving students a visceral connection to the landscape," the Solano Resource Conservation District, which runs the program, said in a statement.

The Fairfield school is one of the three final marsh trips before Solano RCD begins its biomonitoring program to nine water sites around the county in March through May. There are 16 trips planned.

In all, more than 1,800 students will participate in the 16th Suisun Marsh Watershed Program.

"Investing in our future means providing every student with impactful outdoor learning opportunities,” said Sierra Cecchini, Solano RCD education manager. “By bringing students from every corner of the county to Rush Ranch, we aren't just teaching them about the marsh – we are showing them how vital this watershed is to our local community and the broader environment.”

The curriculum is divided into four interactive stations designed to mirror real-world scientific inquiry:

Soil Station: Students compare soil types, analyze the impact of drought, and discover the marsh’s natural ability to prevent inland flooding.

Water Station: In a partnership with the National Estuarine Research Reserve, students conduct chemical tests on marsh water, contributing data that supports ongoing professional research.

Plant Station: Participants identify native flora, discuss how human activity alters habitats, and explore the future implications of climate change on the marsh.

Mindfulness and Reflection: To round out the experience, students use binoculars for wildlife viewing and engage in a mindfulness activity, expressing their personal connection to nature through poetry and art.

The "program focuses on regional exploration, making it easier for students to return to these public lands with their families. By grounding the science in their own 'backyard,' Solano RCD helps students bridge the gap between classroom discussion and the natural world they inhabit," the statement said.

The Suisun Marsh Watershed Program is offered at no cost to participating schools. The sponsors include the Solano County Water Agency, Solano County Department of Resource Management, Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

To learn more about the Suisun Marsh Watershed Program and other initiatives, visit www.solanorcd.org or contact .