Self-Directed Activities
There are several ways we can all help protect our San Lorenzo River, the main source of drinking water for local residents and habitat for hundreds of incredible plant and animal species. This San Lorenzo River Action Projects Guide provides opportunities to learn about, explore, and protect the San Lorenzo River from inside your home, around your neighborhood, and along the Santa Cruz Riverwalk!
Water Quality Monitoring
CWC offers a number of water quality monitoring programs throughout the year. You’ll be trained by a professional water quality scientist to take field measurements and collect water samples for laboratory analysis following EPA protocols. Data collected is used by resource agencies, local governments and community groups to address sources of pollution and take action to protect and improve the health of our local streams.
River Health Days
Join CWC and local native plant experts for the River Health Day series each fall. During River Health Day events, you will be trained to identify and remove invasive species of plants along the San Lorenzo River in San Lorenzo Park. Removing invasive species allow native plants and the animals that rely on them to thrive. Space is limited for these unique hands-on experiences.
Watershed Ranger
If you love kids and love protecting the environment, consider becoming a Watershed Ranger volunteer. CWC is looking for energetic individuals interested in working with students in environmental education. CWC leads experiential learning activities with students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Volunteers will help supervise, teach and inspire students during classroom and outdoor activities. Training will be provided so experience is not necessary but volunteers should have a comfort level working with kids.
Internships
If you’re looking to dive into the world of watersheds, gain skills for a career in an environmental or non-profit field and create cleaner, healthier watersheds in Santa Cruz, consider an internship with the Coastal Watershed Council.
Community Engagement
If you like talking to people about the natural world that surrounds us, this is the opportunity for you. You’ll learn from Coastal Watershed Council staff how we’re improving local watersheds and you’ll share key information about your watershed with friends, neighbors, and the Santa Cruz community. By volunteering your time at local events you can expand the number of people who are part of the solution to pollution.