Watershed Rangers Program
Become a Watershed Ranger!
In the Watershed Rangers Program, students will learn about the importance of their local watershed environment and the San Francisco Bay estuary watershed, and how we can all play a part in keeping these special environments clean and healthy. In this exciting, hands-on program, students will create mini watersheds, explore their local watershed as environmentalists, study colorful satellite maps, experiment with a model of the San Francisco Bay estuary and learn what our watershed provides for people and wildlife. Students will take action for a cleaner environment by completing local park, creek or bay shoreline beach cleanup projects, Zero-Waste events, buddy-class informational poster presentations and more.
“Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful program! It was well-planned, our Educator was wonderful, and the students were engaged with hands-on, thoughtful curricula the whole time!”
Tina Twite, Teacher, Franklin Elementary School, Alameda
This program provides a fun, educational, and meaningful experience for third, fourth and fifth grade students. Engaging Environmental Action Projects integrate science, math and art activities. This program supports Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards.
“Now that I am a Watershed Ranger I will pick up at least three pieces of trash every day. When I pack lunch I will use reusable things.”
Charles, Student, Lum Elementary School, Alameda
In hands-on investigations, you and your students will:
- Complete watershed scavenger hunts
- Experiment with mini watershed models
- Study colorful satellite image maps of the San Francisco Bay
- Learn about watersheds and creek-bay-ocean connections
- Conduct a neighborhood storm drain pollution survey and litter cleanup project
- Analyze trash collected and learn how to use the Five Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot and Refuse) to reduce trash and waste at the source
- Complete a special Environmental Action Project – walking field trip with a park, beach, creek or lake trash cleanup project, school-based Zero-Waste event or Five Rs poster presentation to a buddy class
- Some classes (depending on specific funding for each location) will also go on a bus field trip to a creek or bay habitat.
Students become Watershed Rangers by:
- Making a personal and family pledge to reduce storm drain pollution
- Becoming an active leader in their school community to reduce pollution to the watershed.
“I have noticed that as a result of this program my students are being more responsible for picking up their trash in the cafeteria and on the yard. They are helping to keep the cafeteria and common areas free of litter even when the litter is not theirs.”
Janay Gonsalves, Teacher, Henry Haight Elementary School, Alameda
This is a scholarship program, please contact us to determine if your school is eligible to participate.
Click here to view:
Watershed Rangers Program 2018-2019 Year in Review Flyer
Watershed Rangers Program 2017-2018 Year in Review Flyer
Watershed Rangers Program 2016-2017 Year in Review Flyer
Watershed Rangers Program 2015-2016 Year in Review Flyer
Watershed Rangers Program 2014-2015 Year in Review Flyer
Watershed Rangers Program 2013-2014 Year in Review Flyer
Questions?
Email: schoolprograms@kidsforthebay.org | Call: 510-985-1602