About WATERS

Purpose

Students coring trees at Fairfield Osborn Preserve

The WATERS Collaborative enhances watershed management needs and academic training of students. Our goals are to:

  • create a trained and local workforce with water knowledge and expertise 

  • increase and broaden SSU contributions to developing water solutions

  • enhance public awareness and understanding of water issues

The Collaborative was established by the Center and Sonoma Water in August 2012 and was founded on a history of cooperative efforts. Areas of common interest include restoration projects, academic programs, and regulations and permitting. Copeland Creek, which runs through the SSU campus is common a focus. The creek empties into the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the largest freshwater wetland in northern California and a Wetland of International Significance.

 

How We Work

WATERS empowers students of all ages and disciplines to solve the water and watershed management challenges of the North Bay.

  • Outdoor Learning -  We give students an intuitive understanding of water processes on 4200-acres of SSU preserve lands: Fairfield Osborn Preserve, Galbreath Wildlands Preserve and Los Guillicos Preserve.  
  • Real-World Projects -  We work with faculty, community and students across all disciplines to develop projects focused on finding solutions to North Bay environmental challenges.

Through the WATERS Collaborative, the Center for Environmental Inquiry provides outdoor support with project funding, scoping and logistics, sharing results, and post-project assessments. Join the WATERS Collaborative as a partner or sponsor by contacting the Center for Environmental Inquiry Director. 

Accomplishments

Each year, WATERS engages 20-30 community partners to work towards their water goals with 400-600 students and faculty. Projects can be a couple of hours to multi-year endeavors and can engage one or multiple classes across disciplines. 

WATERS Accomplishments by Fiscal Year

Academic Year

Students

Faculty

Projects

Partners

Report

2018-19

617

30

56

21

PDF icon2018-19 WATERS Accomplishments

2017-18

415

25

47

28

File2017-18 WATERS Accomplishments

2016-17

547

25

46

15

PDF icon2016-17 WATERS Accomplishments

2015-16

500

21

34

15

File2015-16 WATERS Accomplishments

2014-15

326

12

25

16

File2014-15 WATERS Accomplishments

2013-14

286

12

21

12

File2013-14 WATERS Accomplishments

2012-13

473

11

14

12

unavailable

 

Meetings

WATERS meets 2-3 times each year to identify project needs and opportunities. To view meeting minutes, open the document and click on the link for the meeting of interest.