Watershed Interns: Environmental Pathways for HS Students
Summer 2025 Program Application Opens March 1st click here to apply
Watershed Interns is a high school
program sponsored by the Math Science Nucleus and funded by Alameda
County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Over the course of
the program, students will explore different components of the Southern
Alameda watershed, from creeks and open aquatic areas to marine zones.
Each week, they will engage in hands-on experiments that allow them to
interact directly with these ecosystems, learning through real-world
experience.
Students will also hear from guest
speakers who are professionals in various fields related to
environmental science. These experts will share their knowledge and
guide students through immersive activities in different areas of the
watershed, providing insight into the science and practical applications
of environmental work.
A watershed or drainage basin
refers to a system controlled by topography, which defines how water
will flow. You refer to a watershed by the largest body of water that
the creeks, rivers or streams feed into. For example, all creeks that
flow in the San Francisco Bay are part of the San Francisco Watershed.
In this program, each week will focus on a different aspect of the local
watershed; this program is designed for only 2-3 hours on the following
Saturdays listed below. Students also have the option to earn extra
community service hours by participating in additional weekday
activities during the summer, which students will learn more about
during the orientation session.
A maximum of 20 students will be
chosen per session through an application-based process. To qualify,
students must have taken one year of science in high school and need to
be a sophomore or higher. A limited virtual component will be available
for students who were not selected for the in-person portion, but are
still interested in learning more about our weekly topics.
If you are interested in all sessions, please make sure
to check all boxes when submitting your application. Regardless of the
amount of sessions you sign-up for, all selected students should attend
our May 31st online orientation and our final online 1 hour meeting on
July 26th.
For more information, please contact Monica Esqueda
(esqueda@msnucleus.org)
Schedule:
May 31st - Orientation (Via Zoom)
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Overview:This mandatory virtual orientation will introduce students to
the Watershed Explorers Summer Program. We’ll review expectations,
logistics, session goals, and the exciting opportunities ahead. Students
also have the option to earn extra community service hours by
participating in additional weekday activities during the summer, which
students will learn more about during the orientation session. All
students expected to attend.
Register in advance for this meeting:
click here After registering, you will receive a
confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
June 7th - Riparian (Tule Ponds at Tyson Lagoon)
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Focus:
Students will explore Tule Ponds at Tyson Lagoon and its role in the
watershed. Topics include wetland and riparian ecology, native species,
and the importance of vegetation in filtering pollutants. Hands-on
activities include species ID, water quality testing, and watershed
mapping to assess nutrient movement and ecosystem health.
June 14th - Creek (Alameda Creek)
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Focus:
ACWD will lead a guided tour of Alameda Creek, including a look at the
fish ladder and its role in supporting steelhead migration. Students
will learn about local hydrology, infrastructure, and watershed
connections. Activities include water quality testing, watershed
mapping, and field sketching to deepen understanding of the creek’s
ecological and environmental functions.
June
21st - Marine (Eden Landing)
Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM Focus:
Students will walk to a live research site, stopping to learn about
local bird species and wetland restoration efforts, guided by CSUEB’s
EES Oikawa Lab. Hands-on, rotating stations will include soil core
analysis, greenhouse gas monitoring, and water quality testing. Students
will observe live data, form hypotheses, and compare environmental
measurements across wetland zones.
June
28th - Riparian (Tule Ponds at Tyson Lagoon)
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Focus: In this second visit to Tule
Ponds, students will test water samples for nutrients and discuss the
chemistry of the wetland. Field activities include water sample
collection and work with a spectrophotometer. Guest speakers may join to
discuss restoration efforts and local hydrology.
July
12th - Creek (Mission Creek)
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Focus:
Students will explore Mission Creek and its role in the urban watershed.
Field activities include water quality testing (pH, dissolved oxygen,
temperature, turbidity), watershed mapping, and sketching to observe
environmental features and human influence. Guest speakers may join to
discuss restoration efforts and local hydrology.
July
19th - Marine (Newark Shoreline/Mowry Slough)
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Focus:
Students will explore the shoreline and its role in the urban watershed.
Field activities include water quality testing (pH, dissolved oxygen,
temperature, turbidity), watershed mapping, and sketching to observe
environmental features and human influence. Guest speakers may join to
discuss restoration efforts and local hydrology.
July
26th - Closing Panel
Time: 11am - 12pm Overview: Hear
from local college departments and get a chance to ask questions. Event
will be held through Zoom.