Watershed Explorers Program

Signups for the 2018-2019 school year will begin in August, 2018. Watch this space for more information.

Watershed Explorers is an introductory program for third grade students covering basic ecological concepts and stewardship practices. The primary program goal is to help students develop an appreciation for the outdoor, natural world.

Participants leave the program understanding:

• the path water takes through their local watershed;
• the sources of storm water pollution with an emphasis on the effects of motor oil and human debris;
• the impact increasing global temperatures, drought, and sunlight has on the natural cycles of plants and animals;
• how to implement the ‘Triple R’ reduce, reuse, recycle messaging in their daily lives, including how to participate in the California Redemption Value (CRV) program;
• how to improve their impact on water quality and to inspire their family to make behavioral changes to safeguard our natural resources.

The Watershed Explorers Program runs annually from January through May and includes a pre-trip presentation and a field trip to a local park or outdoor space. A limited number of classes are welcome to participate in both a fall and a spring Watershed Explorers field trip as part of a climate change study on local flora and fauna. Registration and scheduling is limited.

Watershed Explorers is funded by Solano County and all its City Jurisdictions, Solano County Water Agency, Vallejo Water Conservation Program, Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District, and the Potrero Hills Landfill. The fall component is paid through a partnership with the Greater Vallejo Recreation District with funding through the California State Parks Habitat Conservation Fund.

For more information on this program, please contact Marianne Butler.

Watershed Explorers in Benicia recall learning moments from the day.

K.I. Jones Elementary students record their phenological observations about the manzanita at Rockville Hills Regional Park. Photo used with permission by Ron Berkson, K.I. Jones Elementary

Vacaville students hike through grasses at Lagoon Valley Park. Photo used with permission by Joel Rosenbaum, Vacaville Reporter

A Fairfield student tries to identify the macroinvertebrate she just inspected through a microscope. Photo used with permission by Ron Berkson, K.I. Jones Elementary

Students make predictions about the movement of pollution through a storm drain model at Glen Cove Waterfront Park.

Benicia students hike alongside their watershed’s namesake: the Carquinez Strait.