What can be better than hands-on learning in a vast, beautiful watershed?

With a visit to the students can have a memorable day learning about the natural and cultural history of the local area. This program is offered at no cost to participating schools within the CCWD service area. CCWD will also reimburse schools for the cost of bus transportation to Los Vaqueros.

This program can be adapted to classes with special curriculum needs or requirements.

The Watershed Connection is a 4-hour program set up with four main stations: After a visit to the Los Vaqueros Dam, the students divide into three groups and rotate between the three other stations. Two stations before lunch and one station after.

Biodiversity: Concepts covered include the importance of biodiversity in an environment, interdependence of all organisms, and adaptation of organisms to an environment. Students will be introduced to local native animals. The animals used in this station will vary.

Cultural History: Concepts covered include ways in which local Native Americans adapted to their natural environment, their daily lives and customs, and the ways the land use has changed through the mission and rancho periods to today. Hands-on activities include acorn grinding and Native American games.

Local Habitat: This may be in the form of a nature hike, pond exploration, or combination of the two depending upon weather andwatershed conditions. Concepts covered include types of habitats in the watershed, the diversity and interdependence of organisms in the watershed (plants and animals), and the connection between a healthy environment and water quality.

This program normally books up fast. Reservations for the following school year are accepted beginning in May. Book early for the best times.

Look here for a form to signup FAQ's Calendar With Available Dates