News from Watsonville Wetlands Watch

New Stewards Ready for 2015-16 School Year

Big things are happening in the Wetland Stewards program for the 2015-2016 school year. In the last year, the Wetland Stewards interns have grown from a cohort of nine teenage mentors to twelve teen mentors. By adding three more mentors the Stewards are now able to offer their after school program to four more local schools a year, allowing almost 100 more 4th to 6th grade students an opportunity to participate in our program.

To prepare the Stewards interns for leading field trips throughout the Pajaro Valley Watershed, training began two weeks before school started. During the training they had talks, tours, and presentations from Watsonville Wetlands Watch veteran staff and board members. The students were quickly brought up to speed on the history and importance of our local wetlands. To promote teamwork and bonding, the training program wrapped up with an overnight camping trip to Sunset Beach, which was the very first camping experience for nine of our twelve Wetland Stewards.

The Stewards are now half way through their first quarter of after-school field trips. They have educated almost one hundred younger students about unique gems such as Corralitos Creek, Struve Slough, and beyond. Next time you are at the Wetlands Educational Resource Center and you see Alex, Geniva, Laura, Hassyel, Edsgar, Victor, Cesar, Nuria, Diana, Cynthia, Juliza, or Emmanuel, feel free to introduce yourself and say hello!

Volunteer docents assist the Wetlands Stewards interns with their field trips. If you are interested in becoming a docent volunteer who works with the Wetland Stewards program, please contact kathy@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org

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The California Sea Otter: Not Just Another Pretty Face

Are you curious about how sea otters have adapted to survive in the ocean, or how moms and pups manage their difficult daily lives? Do you want to know more about the historic fur trade, or how two current lawsuits threaten the species’ comeback from near extinction? On Thursday, Nov. 12, join Kim Steinhardt for a special evening’s talk and multimedia presentation on these sea otter mysteries, and observations on the relationship between humans and the ocean. Kim is a former Administrative Law Judge who now photographs and writes about sea otters, and presents popular talks on ocean stewardship, including all things otter. This talk, hosted by the Watsonville Wetlands Watch, is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center. Click for map/directions. Admission is free but you must reserve a seat online by clicking here.

For more information, contact Kathy Fieberling at 831-345-1226 or kathy@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org.

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Become a Docent
Training Starts in January

Our 2016 Docent Training Program begins in late January 2016. Docent training is a fun and interesting way to learn about the natural and cultural history of the wetlands from experts, and to receive training for becoming a field trip facilitator. These
interactive sessions include Wednesday evening presentations and Saturday morning field trips, visiting sites not normally seen by the public. Join our dedicated team of trained docent volunteers who help with field trips, lead tours, participate in special events, work in the greenhouse and native plant demonstration garden, conduct water monitoring, and much, much more.

For more information, contact Kathy Fieberling at 831-345-1226 or via e-mail kathy@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org.

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Fourth Saturday
Community Restoration Day

We invite you to help restore wetland habitat by planting native plants and removing exotic invasive plants as part of our monthly community work day on October 24. We will work from 9 a.m. to noon, and we always make time for birding or a short hike around the wetlands. We supply the gloves, tools, and a snack. Meet at our Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center. If you have questions, please contact Mary Paul at mary@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org or 831-566-4938.