The Coastal Watershed Council operates Watershed Rangers youth field trips to the San Lorenzo River. These trips are incredible opportunities to bring local youth to sites along the lower San Lorenzo that CWC has been visiting for years and considers an extension of our office.

Memorable summer field trips along the San Lorenzo River
According to plan, Sam and Maria daringly ventured for the first time this school year into an ever-changing and dynamic ecosystem with which they have limited experience. The diverse wildlife appears unpredictable in this ecosystem too. Their shrill calls can be heard from a far distance, difficult to decipher. The wildlife here doesn’t have feathers or scales, but instead wears sneakers, friendship bracelets and t-shirts covered in emojis!

First graders last school year learning about runoff and pollution prevention.
After years and years of engaging with thousands upon thousands of students, CWC is a familiar name on most elementary school campuses in the Santa Cruz area, which was evident as students called out to us when they figured out who we were, rushing to stick their hands out for fist bumps and high fives.
“I still have my Watershed Rangers badge!” exclaims a 2nd grader at Bay View who earned their first badge last year as a 1st grader.
“I have two of them!” shares a 3rd grader.

Art, conservation, and science overlap as Watershed Rangers study the life cycle of steelhead trout.
This work is made possible because of generous funding and support from Santa Cruz County’s CORE and Green Schools Programs. Thank you for your continued dedication to environmental education and strong, healthy communities.