After a year of without field trips, CWC is excited to welcome back youth to the banks of the San Lorenzo River this summer. CWC will partner with the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz County, Nueva Vista Community Resources and Santa Cruz City School District to engage 190 kids in hands-on experiences at the San Lorenzo River. These field trips are an opportunity for youth to build an appreciation for the river, learn about the river, and build outdoor science skills. And, after a year mostly spent in online learning, the field trips are an opportunity to help youth feel a sense of normalcy and support youth in building personal connections to their fellow campers and nature.
As you yourself explore your river this summer on a walk or bike ride along the Santa Cruz Riverwalk, look out for our young scientists collecting and observing benthic macroinvertebrates or collecting water samples to study water quality. You may also see youth with paper and water colors, creating an art piece of the San Lorenzo River based on how they view the river. CWC hopes that through these experiences and engaging in free time at the river, youth will build a deeper personal connection to the San Lorenzo River.
The Coastal Watershed Council is grateful for the continued support of the Moca Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Bay Watershed and Education Training grant in ensuring we can continue to connect local youth with their local river.