On November 12, teens from all over California came together for an Oceans Need Everyone (ONE) Teen Summit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The summit was organized so that teens interested in ocean and watershed conservation could network and exchange ideas. Teen groups invited to the summit included our Wetland Stewards, students from the Aquarium’s W.A.T.C.H. (Watsonville Area Teens Conserving Habitats) program, science clubs, and environmental clubs. The event included workshops, student presentations, information tables, a keynote speaker, and dessert! Read entire article.

With the critical help of trained volunteer docents, the Watsonville Wetlands Watch provided wetland field trips for over 1200 local students in 2011. You too can become a member of our top-notch Docent Team by attending the 2012 Docent Training Program, starting on January 25. Docent Training is fun and interesting, with local experts providing an inside look at the wetlands of Watsonville, including the ecology, history and restoration of the wetlands. This 7-week program includes Wednesday evening presentations and Saturday morning field trips. While it is not a requirement, we would love to add some bilingual docents to our team. Learn more.

Each year the 5th grade class at Mt. Madonna School chooses to work on an environmental project that addresses a local concern. In past years the students’ projects have had amazing results, including winning national awards for their projects and creating world-wide events. On Wednesday, Jan. 18, the students will present the results of this year’s project and show their DVD. Please come to learn about the Burrowing Owl and what these inspirational students have done to contribute to the owls’ survival.  From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center. Map/directions. You must reserve a seat — email kathyfieb@yahoo.com or call 831-345-1226. View a video clip about class’s day in the wetlands.

The Good Times, in collaboration with Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, featured Watsonville Wetlands Watch in their Thanksgiving Community Fund issue. We are being recognized for our programs that make a significant impact on local youth, with the goal of raising awareness and support for our important programs during the holiday giving season.
We are thrilled to have “met the match” from the David and Lucille Packard Foundation. However,we are still encouraging donations to WWW via the Community Foundation through January 13. Click here to give. Please specify Watsonville Wetlands Watch as the recipient! All contributions are tax-deductible, in accordance with IRS rules for non-profit organizations. Thank you for your generous and continuing support!