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Watsonville Wetlands Watch

www.watsonvillewetlandswatch.org

Organization Type:
Non-Profit

Mission:
To protect, restore, and appreciate the wetlands of the Pajaro Valley

Contact:
Kris Beall
Watsonville Wetlands Watch
P.O. Box 1239
Freedom, CA 95019
Phone: (831) 728-1156
Email Watsonville Wetlands Watch

Geographical Focus:
Local

Counties Served:
Santa Cruz

Activities:
Education, Conservation, Restoration

Topic:
Bay & Estuary Habitats, Cultural History, Habitat Restoration, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Watersheds/Hydrology, Wetlands

Educational Resources:
Website, On-Site Programs, Field Trips, Brochures, Curriculum, Newsletter, Exhibits/Display, Library/Lending Materials

Educational Programs:
Restoration & Restoration Education program: Bi-montly community restoration days on the second and fourth Saturday of each month; elementary school field trips; on-site greenhouse for propagation activities with school and community groups.
Wetland Stewards program: Program offers field trips and curriculum development for after-school middle school environmental learning groups led by teachers at three public Pajaro Valley middle schools. Offers paid internships and student mentor positions for college and high school students.

Target Audiences:
4th-12th grades, Teachers

Other Languages:
Spanish, written material and oral presentations
We offer bilingual plant guides, a wetlands teaching wall, and a plant display in our visitor center. Our staff is also bilingual and able to offer presentations in Spanish.

In-service Training:
Teachers, Students/Interns, Docents/Volunteers:
Docent training annually in February and ongoing docent enrichment opportunities; teacher orientations and enrichment opportunities; student intern opportunitites with ongoing programs (check with our staff for current offerings).

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
Watsonville Wetlands Watch Docent
  Description:
The primary activity of docents is to act as field trip assistants, assisting elementary, middle, and/or high school teachers in the implementation of wetlands-based curriculum during field trips to the wetlands or to the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center. Docents also act in support roles, where they compile field guides or create special exhibits, for example. Docents help with the resource library and staffing of the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center. They also help with restoration projects and work in the greenhouse according to their interests.
  When Needed:
Field trip assistants and support volunteers are needed during weekdays all year long. Restoration work is also done on weekends.
  Qualifications:
Docents must graduate from docent training. Docents should feel comfortable talking to people, should be interested in the wetlands, and should have the desire to inspire feelings of protection, preservation, and appreciation of the wetlands in others.
  Commitment Required:
Six hours per month
  Application/Training:
Docent application may be obtained by contacting the volunteer coordinator (see below). Training occurs annually beginning in March. It lasts for six weeks, with classes on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Kathy Fieberling, Volunteer Coordinator
kathyfieb@yahoo.com
(831) 427-0654



 

Program:
Watsonville Wetlands Watch Volunteer

  Description:
Volunteers help with restoration and gardening projects and work in the greenhouse. Volunteers also help with special projects for which they have the appropriate skills.
  When Needed:
Volunteer projects can be scheduled according to the volunteer's availability. Most of the group restoration projects occur on weekends.
  Qualifications:
Ability and desire to help with wetlands projects. No training is required.
  Commitment Required:
No requirement
  Application/Training:
No requirement
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Kathy Fieberling, Volunteer Coordinator
kathyfieb@yahoo.com
(831) 427-0654


Internship Opportunities

  Program:
Wetland Stewards Program Mentor / Restoration Intern
  Description:
Restoration Program: Assist with propagation, planting, removal of non-natives, etc. Discover the cycle of restoration, learn the basics of restoration monitoring techniques, and learn about the unique coastal terrace prairie and wetland habitats in our area.
Wetland Stewards Program: Coordinate and help work with middle school teachers in the after-school programs, help recruit middle school participants and high school mentors, work with middle school teachers and program staff, work with teachers and volunteers to present classroom activities to middle school students leading up to WERC field trips, work with teachers, volunteers, and program staff to facilitate field trips, help with set-up and breakdown of materials needed for field trips.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Working on a degree in environmental science or education-related field
  Application:
Contact Watsonville Wetlands Watch staff for applications.
  Number of Interns:
Two per semester for each program
  Housing Provided:
No
  Paid:
No
  Credit:
No


General Services:
Restrooms, Picnic Area

Parking Availability:
Six handicapped spots; other parking on a first come, first served basis, and depending on parking demands at Pajaro Valley High School, where the building is located.

Disabled Access:
Six Handicapped parking spots, ramp to sidewalk, entire building is accessible



This Resource Directory is a product of the California Coastal Commission's Public Education Program

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