SAWA’s Education and Public Outreach Programs
Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park

The Santa Ana Watershed Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free environmental education programs to all schools and student groups. The Santa Ana River Watershed is the largest coastal river system in Southern California and is home to nearly 5 million people.

Water Discovery Field Trip Program

In order to address public outreach and environmental education needs, the Santa Ana Watershed Association developed and launched the Water Discovery Field Trip Program in 2008. The Water Discovery Field Trip program is an outdoor program aimed at reconnecting students with the natural world and its needs. During the field trip, water conservation, threatened wetlands, and watershed issues are brought to the forefront.

Water Discovery Brochure (PDF 140kb)

Due to extensive flood control in the watershed, natural hydrologic cycles of flooding have been disrupted. As a result, many miles of riparian habitat that thrived on the natural cycle of periodic flooding have been lost. The loss of habitat has threatened the local survival of plant and wildlife species that depend on riparian habitat, including the endangered least Bell’s vireo. The elimination of periodic flooding has also decreased the amount of natural groundwater replenishment. Unfortunately, groundwater is the main source of potable water in the watershed, providing about 66 percent of the consumptive water demands. These alarming facts buttress the growing need for public environmental awareness in the Santa Ana River Watershed.

The Water Discovery Field Trip Program, offered through a partnership with the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), is operated at the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park in the City of Chino. The park encompasses 22 acres and is landscaped with a variety of drought-tolerant and native Californian plants and trees. It also features a six-pond wetlands and riparian habitat, providing a safe environment for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The Water Discovery Field Trip Program is composed of several activity stations, each addressing a specific water or wetlands theme. These activity stations are placed throughout the park and students in small groups rotate among them. All activities have been designed to compliment State Education Standards thus allowing educators to incorporate the Water Discovery Field Trip Program into existing curriculum. A key focus is to utilize hands-on, interactive teaching methods which engage students to think critically and creatively. Students are encouraged to explore scientifically with experimentation and observation.

Activity stations offered include: Water Testing, Wildlife Behavioral Study, Bird Bingo, Pond Life Microscope Study, Water Cycle Bracelet Game, the EnviroScape®, Plant Factory, Macroinvertebrate Mayhem and Edible Aquifers.

  1. Water Testing – Students obtain pond water samples from the wetlands and perform chemical tests for pH, nitrates, phosphates, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature. At this station, students will utilize experimentation skills and understand the need for healthy water quality results.
  2. Wildlife Behavioral Study – Using binoculars, students will observe and monitor wetlands wildlife like biologists. Naturalists will engage students in discussions on wetlands, habitat loss, and the impact of humankind on nature.
  3. Bird Bingo – This activity allows students to combine birding with an element of fun and games. Students attempt to find all birds and wildlife on a bingo sheet. During this activity, Naturalists use visual and conceptual aids to discuss migratory birds and the workings of a wetland.
  4. Pond Life Microscope Study – Students view pond life specimen under microscopes. Students obtain and assemble their own specimens and slides. This activity encourages scientific observation and teaches students how to use a microscope.
  5. Water Cycle Bracelet Game – The activity explains the journey of water molecules. During the game, students assemble keepsake bracelets or key chains. Issues of water conservation are also discussed.
  6. EnviroScape® - Students pollute the EnviroScape® watershed model, create a mock rainstorm and observe the path of storm water pollutants to the ocean. This activity familiarizes students with non-point source pollution and its effects on water.
  7. Plant Factory – At this station, students learn about plants and their different parts. Students then role-play as plant parts and construct a plant using their bodies.
  8. Macroinvertebrate Mayhem -- This activity focuses on macroinvertebrates and their roles as indicators of stream or pond health. Following a discussion on macroinvertebrates, students will play a tag-style game to better understand the importance of macroinvertebrate populations and diversity.
  9. Edible Aquifers – Students construct their own aquifer using edible ingredients. After construction, food dye is used to demonstrate the course of pollution. A guardian consent form is required for this ice cream aquifer activity.

All activity stations include thorough discussion of water and wetlands themes and vocabulary with trained Naturalists. An average field trip consists of three to four activity stations and is scheduled for two hours. Most schools opt to have a guided tour of the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park and have a sack lunch at the picnic tables after the Water Discovery Field Trip Program.

Before classes participate in the field trip, teachers are sent pre-field trip packets complete with in-class activities and a Water Discovery Field Trip Program PowerPoint presentation to prepare students for the program. At the end of the field trip, teachers are asked to complete evaluation forms which are used to measure the program’s success.

In-class presentations

With the cooperation of IEUA, SAWA is developing an in-class presentation program. This pilot program will be offered to classes and groups participating in the Water Discovery Field Trip Program. Trained naturalists will provide activities and stimulate discussions about wetlands with students prior to their trip to the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park.

Docent and Volunteer Training Program

As a non-profit organization, SAWA encourages volunteers to participate in a variety of projects and programs. Each year, SAWA offers a Docent Training Program in which volunteers are given the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive hands-on learning experience. During the six-week training, participants are given the tools and information helpful toward volunteering in environmental projects. Training topics include watershed, water quality, interpretation and local herpetology, ornithology, flora and fauna. Trained docents and volunteers will have opportunities to become either park docents and naturalists or biology and/or restoration assistants. SAWA also seeks short-term volunteers to participate in one day events such as cleanups and park events.

Volunteer Work Parties

Volunteer Work Parties are held bimonthly on the first Saturday at the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park. These events include a variety of activities, including hands-on restoration, bird box construction and environmental workshops. Please refer to upcoming events for further details.

Upcoming Events

Bi-monthly Volunteer Work Party
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Details to come soon

Project Webfoot Workshop
Oct. 26, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
For a flyer with more information and a registration form, click here.

Links and Contacts

To book a Water Discovery Field Trip and/or in-class presentation, please contact:

Dolly Aguirre, Education Coordinator (909) 606-1933 ext. 110
daguirre.education@sawatershed.org

To book a guided tour of the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park, please contact:

Samantha Dempster, Naturalist (909) 606-1933 ext. 102
sdempster@sawatershed.org

For more information on the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park or the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, please click on this link:

http://www.ieua.org/facilities/wetlands.html

For more information on the Docent Training Program or for upcoming volunteering opportunities, please contact:

Dolly Aguirre, Education Coordinator (909) 606-1933 ext. 110
daguirre.education@sawatershed.org

P.O. Box 219
Chino, CA 91708
909-606-1933

Lee Reeder
,
Executive Director, ext. 105

Jennette Corbitt,
Executive Assistant, ext. 101