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Hello Friends of the Coastal Watershed Council, Just like many of you, this time of year has CWC planning for next year and reflecting on the year which is nearly behind us. Thanks to your energy and commitment it's been a fun and productive year at CWC. Our past twelve months includes highlights such as adding new members to our Board of Directors, a new staff hire dedicated to CWC's education efforts, and successful monitoring, stewardship and education projects throughout the Central Coast. We also held our first summer camp for underprivileged youth: CWC's Trees To See Explorers Camp in July of this year. We're planning an even brighter and busier 2011, and we are counting on your support to make it all happen. If you can, please contribute your financial support of CWC's mission: to preserve and protect coastal watersheds. We rely on donations from businesses, individuals and local clubs in order to continue our core programs in education, stewardship and monitoring. Together we are building community, learning and working towards a healthier future in our region. As you celebrate whatever holiday you observe during this season, please know we value your participation in CWC's work. Here's to a safe and healthy finish to this calendar year, and to a peaceful and prosperous 2011 for everyone! Take care... Greg Pepping CWC Executive Director |
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 Carneros Creek Monitoring Update
CWC is still waiting for sufficient flow in Carneros Creek before we start the next season of water quality monitoring in this main tributary to the Elkhorn Slough. Upcoming forecasted rains may create enough runoff to generate flows in the creek, but to date the rain gauge at ALBA's Triple M Ranch reads 5.34" since October 1, 2010.
CWC & ALBA staff will continue to do site checks after the storms roll through to ensure we begin monitoring as soon as consistent flow is established. Meanwhile, we've got our gear waiting and volunteers ready to test the waters. If you are interested in this program and haven't already signed up, contact Debie Chirco-Macdonald at CWC (464-9200) to get on board.
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BWET GO! Program Update
CWC has now scheduled monthly class visits with New Brighton Middle School's 6th grade science classes. CWC is working with New Brighton math/science teacher, Kathy Kelley, to take students on monthly visits to Noble Gulch to participate in water quality monitoring activities and other hands-on watershed activities and games.
The newest school in the Get Outdoors (GO!) Program, Alianza Elementary, is also gearing up for second semester watershed-focused activities. Alianza's science enrichment teacher, Miriam Ban, is working with CWC staff to get her 4th, 5th and 6th grade students out into the watershed and make connections with their beautiful environment.
The GO! Program is funded by a grant from NOAA's Bay-Watershed Education Program (B-WET). CWC continues to support a third school under this grant, as Landmark Elementary transitions into operating their own watershed-focused lessons and field trips.
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Santa Cruz Watershed Education and Outreach (SCWEO) Update
CWC has just completed its watershed education program for San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School's kindergarten through third grade students. Eighteen classes received two visits each in November and December during their science class time. Working with the school's science enrichment teacher, Tracy Maxwell, students participated in hands-on lessons that taught them about the San Lorenzo Valley watershed. CWC's Education Coordinator, Bridget Posson, helped the students learn about how they depend on the San Lorenzo River and how they can inspire their classmates and community to keep the water clean. Students learned about the history of the San Lorenzo Valley through an interactive puppet show, 3-D watershed model and benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI) study. Students then came up with solutions to reduce problems such as sedimentation, litter and leaky and overflowing septic tanks which pollute drinking water sources. They also discussed how they can each use less water and keep their school campus clean. Bridget will be working with SLVES science teacher David Grant for two weeks in December and January to educate the 4th and 5th grade students about the San Lorenzo River watershed.
These activities to educate the next generation of scientists, watershed stewards and responsible citizens are funded by the City of Santa Cruz Water Resources Department.
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CWC Heartfelt Thanks and Wishlist
The Coastal Watershed Council is fortunate to have such wonderfully supportive members and volunteers in its ranks. We couldn't have run our numerous field programs without the hundreds of hours of volunteer help we have recieved over the years from all of you. We also appreciate the many donations from you, including equipment as well as cash.
As a busy organization we often find ourselves in need of new equipment or supplies that are difficult to obtain on a tight budget. So if you find yourself getting ready to give away some of that old "junk" in the shed or garage, or if you'd like to do just a little bit more shopping - keep CWC in mind.
Here are some items on our list as of late:
- Paper shredder
- Paper cutter
- Digital camera
- Water Filter
- Stainless Steel Electrical teapot
- Hand held GPS
As always, CWC welcomes donations of cash as well, which are vital to covering staff salaries, lab fees and other costs for our monitoring, education and stewardship programs. All donations are tax-deductible (IRS ID#68-0368798). Please donate today with just a few clicks. Many of you already have recently - and an enormous holiday THANK YOU to each of you!
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CWC's Beer for Water Event a Huge Hit!
Thanks to the large group of CWC supporters who attended our "Beer for Water" event at the Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing Company on December 9. CWC benefited from your cash donations and received $1 for each pint of beer purchased at the brewery throughout the day. The brewery recently shared that it was one of their most successful Thank You Thursdays ever. Thanks to each of you who came and/or promoted this fun event.
Please be sure to extend your thanks, as well, to the brewery staff and owners when you're there, as this is a unique gesture by a local business to support local organizations like CWC. Stay tuned for another date, come warmer weather, and a challenge for us all to make an even larger event next time. Cheers to all!
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 Join CWC on Facebook
Just like you, we need friends! We're trying to increase our presence and friendbase on Facebook. Check us out and be a friend and fan. See you on the virtual playground!
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