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.