California

Build and Install Owl Boxes on Local Farms

2013 Colusa, California, USA

After looking into environmental issues in their rural community, Ruby Dunham and Kyle Cervantes were concerned about the use of rodenticide to control rodent populations on farms. Because rodenticide takes a while to process through the system, rodents are slowly affected and are easy targets for predators, usually raptors. Thus rodenticide can cause secondary poisoning of raptor populations, a current threat to their survival.

Dunham and Cervantes wrote a proposal to build and install barn owl boxes on a local farm to both provide habitat and natural control of rodents. This would reduce or eliminate the need for rodenticide, decreasing the introduction of these chemicals into out watersheds and the birds and wildlife that inhabit them– a win-win situation for farmers and the environment.

Students worked with the school’s shop teacher and a local cabinet maker to build the boxes. Funding was provided by the local Morning Star Cannery, who helped to install the boxes at a grower’s ranch. Students built a total of 22 owl boxes for use at local farms and ranches. Barn owls, very efficient hunters (a family can consume over 3000 mice a year), have already begun to inhabit the boxes. This type of integrated pest management can serve as a model for other farms in the area.

Native Plant/ Habitat Restoration

2013 Sacramento, California, USA

As students in the Watershed Biology class as Christian Brothers High School, Scott Sturges, Ty Patrick, and Dominick Tullo studied several issues and concerns with their local watershed. They were especially concerned about the loss of riparian habitat for wood ducks and other bird and wildlife species. Their proposal, which made the finals, was to restore habitat by planting native species of trees and shrubs and building nesting boxes for birds.

Christian Brothers students worked with Putah Creek Council to plant several native species of trees and shrubs both along the banks of Putah Creek and in an upland area adjacent to the creek. An implementation grant from Nutrien helped pay for transportation for the students to the project site.

In addition to improving wildlife habitat and the increasing the diversity of native plants along the creek, their plantings will help to stabilize the stream banks and strengthen the riparian buffer, which acts to filter pollutants before entering the creek. The diversity of natives can also serve as habitat for pollinators, which are essential to the surrounding agricultural area. Theirs is truly a project that will have positive benefits for the watershed for years to come.

Blackberry Removal Along Arcade Creek

2013 Sacramento, California, USA

As a student at Mira Loma High School, Preethi Raju participates in the Arcade Creek Project, which aims to restore Arcade Creek by having students engage in a variety of actions, such as testing water chemistry to check for pollution, cataloging the different plants and animals, and taking part in restoration tasks. In addition, Mira Loma students hold various outreach events throughout the year to inform the public about how they can help to ensure the creek stays healthy.

As students spend time and learn more about the creek area, they are encouraged to think of ways to improve and expand upon stewardship of this natural resource

After visiting Arcade Creek, Raju was particularly concerned with the invasive, non-native plant Himalayan Blackberry, This aggressive, thorny bush grows quickly, has a large root system, and outcompetes native plants. Thus, these native plants are deprived of their habitats, and so are the animals that depend on these plants.

Raju wrote a proposal to increase the number of student volunteers and work events held to limit the encroachment of Himalayan Blackberry. Her proposal included recruiting students from other area high schools. Raju’s proposal made the Caring for Our Watersheds finals, and as a result of her actions, more than 20 students joined the effort to help remove the non-native plant.

With implementation funds from Nutrien, Raju purchased new tools to remove the invasive species and held outings after school various times throughout the year to go and work on the plants. The students not only removed considerable blackberry from several sites, but also engaged in other projects, such as picking up trash and planting seeds for native plants.

Students Raise Salmon in Their Classroom for Release

2013 Stockton, California, USA

When Stockton Collegiate juniors Breana Inoshita, Nura Nasser, and Alyssa Somers were directed to research the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and identify an environmental concern, the girls identified a native fish facing declining populations, Chinook salmon. Raising salmon would help bring awareness to the student body of Stockton Collegiate that Chinook salmon are native to the Delta and that the salmon population has been declining for a variety of reasons.

In March 2012 Inoshita, Nasser, and Somers were awarded 7th place in the Caring for Our Watersheds competition for their plan to raise salmon and release them to the Delta. Starting in December of 2012 the girls implemented their plan at school with funding from Caring for Our Watersheds. With the help of their school club, they built the incubator for the salmon, and eggs were delivered on December 19, 2012. The tank was monitored daily for appearance (of the salmon), water temperature, and pH. When the salmon fry were finally ready, the girls and their teacher traveled north east to just below the Mokelumne River Hatchery, and helped release the fry on March 22nd, 2013.

The students plan on raising salmon again next year and will include a second incubator at the Stockton Children’s Museum.

Students who are a part of the after school program will maintain and monitor the incubator. This project will bring more awareness and education about the salmon native to our watershed to the greater Stockton community.

Reusable Bags

2012 Antelope, California, USA

Saterra Larsen, of Antelope High School, is concerned about excessive plastic bag pollution in her watershed. Her Caring for Our Watersheds idea was two-fold: to educate the public on the harmful effects of plastic bags and to promote the use of reusable bags. The site would be one of the busiest grocery/general stores in her community, the Wal-Mart supercenter. With the help of two other Antelope students, Kayla Miller and Megan Fairchild, she set up a table outside of the local store to distribute reusable bags for a voluntary donation. By using this free gift as a way to make contact with community members, they educated about the detrimental results of common plastic bag use and the great benefits of reusable sacks.

Students Demonstrate Water Efficient Landscaping

2012 Sacramento, California, USA

Florin High School students identified an opportunity on their school campus to demonstrate water-efficient landscaping, educate fellow students, parents, and community members, and beautify the school. Their proposal was to overhaul 8 old school planter boxes, which formerly held only unsightly weeds, old tree stumps, and garbage, by planting drought-tolerant California native species. Native species are adapted to the local climate and environment and do not require long-term irrigation or use of pesticides.

Acknowledging the diversity of their community, they also planned to install interpretive signs in 8 languages to educate on the benefits of landscaping with native species, such as conserving water, supporting native pollinators and bird species, etc. Students also would to give tours of the planters on back to school nights and other events to educate community members in addition to the student body.

When the students, who were mostly ESL Learners, gave a solid presentation at the 2012 Caring for Our Watersheds (CFW) final competition, they took second place and decided to implement their project with available CFW funds and additional club fundraisershe CFW finalists, as well as other members of their Watershed Team, planted in two phases. Fortunately, the school donated maintenance staff time to clear the planters of old tree stumps and fix existing irrigation, as this required some machinery. The students then refilled the planters with soil and planted a variety of California native forbs and shrubs. In addition to drawing attention to the newly refurbished planters, the students also drew more attention and interest to their afterschool Watershed Team, which has since tripled in size. These students will not only continue to care for the planter boxes, but will also continue to pursue other watershed stewardship and education opportunities in their community

Students Plant Oaks Along Sierra Creek

2012 Antelope, California, USA

Antelope High School Student Stephani Smith was concerned about the health of a creek that ran through her suburban neighborhood. Sierra Creek, a tributary to larger Dry Creek, had very little vegetation along its banks and the water was warm, stagnant, and full of sediment. Dry Creek has historically been habitat for Steelhead Trout and Chinook Salmon, but has suffered habitat degradation. Smith wanted to address this problem in her local watershed by planting native oak trees along the banks of Sierra Creek. In her Caring for Our Watersheds proposal and presentation, she explained the many benefits of such a planting. The roots of the trees would stabilize the soil and help prevent excessive soil erosion. The trees would provide shade to the creek to lower the water temperature for fish and aquatic species while also providing habitat for the native species of birds and mammals in the area. Also, the trees would improve the appearance of the local community and increase her community’s pride and respect for nature. Smith took first place in the 2012 CFW Final Competition.

Smith, fellow Antelope High Students, and community members participated in a large planting event on November 2, 2012. CFW implementation funds helped pay for the trees and many materials needed. They also received technical support and/or funding from several environmental organizations, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dry Creek Conservancy, Center for Land-Based Learning, Sac Tree Foundation, and Sac Area Creeks Council.

Approximately 60 saplings of Valley and Interior Dry Oaks were planted, along with 56 acorns. Different methods of non-traditional irrigation were used in separate areas of the planting site, including Dri-Water and Groasis Waterboxes. Antelope students will continue to monitor and study the effectiveness of these different methods as well as continue to care for the trees in years to come.

Students Create Water Efficient Irrigation System for School Garden

2012 Sacramento, California, USA

Students in the Green ROP Program at William Daylor High School were concerned about the amount of water that is wasted by home or commercial building owners that use older or traditional methods of watering their yards, gardens, or landscaping. tools such as sprinklers and hoses themselves, or when used during an inappropriate time of day, can often lead to an inefficient use of water. As water conservation is critical in California, they wanted to complete a project in their school garden to demonstrate a water efficient drip irrigation system.

The team submitted a proposal to install drip irrigation to the school garden, but also wanted to incorporate a water catchment barrel, pump, soil sensor, and solar=powered controller for the system.

The students worked with an irrigation specialist from the city who met with the students at school to show them how to install drip line to the boxes, and to show how a solar controller could help them regulate the watering of the garden. This specialist was able to get distributors to donate many materials and equipment, such as the drip line and solar controller. The students utilized the Caring for Our Watersheds implementation funding for the pump and sensor.

The Green ROP class now has an efficient, educational tool for the students to learn from because they can program watering times and lengths according to the change in season, temperature, and needs of the plants. The school no longer mishaps of over-watering by people leaving the sprinklers or hoses running. The rain barrel and pump is hooked up to the irrigation system to be used first before they need to use the city water source. The project truly demonstrates water efficiency and was a real success!

Native Plant Pollinator Garden

2012 Davis, California, USA

Da Vinci High School students Brenna Mockler, Nathan Lefkoff, Juliana Arvin, and Innis McComb placed 4th in the 2012 Caring for Our Watersheds contest for their idea to plant a native pollinator garden on their school campus. Their garden will serve to increase plant diversity on campus, provide habitat and nectar sources for pollinators, as well as create a space where students can learn about California native plants. In their proposal, they also pointed out that by planting native drought-resistant species, they will help to conserve water, support insect and butterfly populations, and beautify their campus. The garden will also be incorporated into the Botany class curriculum at school. This hands-on project has already deepened their knowledge of native plants and pollinator conservation. They hope it will continue to have the same effect on students at Da Vinci in years to come.

Recycling Bins on School Campus

2012 Antelope, CA, USA

When Brandon Schinina walked over to his school’s library to brainstorm his CFW proposal, he saw a student walk out with a cardboard box full of recyclables. The student then dumped all the bottles and cans into the nearby garbage, where it would have forever ended up in a landfill. Plastics and cans, if not properly recycled, can stay in a landfill for hundreds of years without degrading. Plastics and cans are also common trash items that find their way into our waterways. This inspired Brandon to reform the schools recycling system in hopes that it would help the school be greener and the students more aware.

Brandon’s plan was simple, to equip each classroom and the campus with recycling bins in order to have proper recycling happening at school and to encourage students to recycle more in their personal lives. With $916 in Nutrien implementation funds and the CFW matching school award, he was able to purchase the needed bins. antelope2-2

With the help of the “People for the Planet” club, he placed 8 new large recycling bins on the Antelope High School campus and smaller bins in the classrooms.

Now that there are good bins around the school and in the cafeteria/ lunch areas, students and teachers don’t have to resort to throwing the recyclables away with the trash.

By providing the opportunity to recycle, Brandon helped not only the students, but also the teachers to recycle more. He has been personally thanked by students and staff members when the club went through the classes and put the bins in place. The campus looks cleaner as well, with less cans and bottles left around the school. Brandon is happy when he sees students using the bins and knows that he has made a difference in his school community.