The WATERS Collaborative: One Model for Multi-Disciplinary Service-Learning
Dr. Claudia Luke, DirectorSonoma State University Preserves
www.sonoma.edu/watersPreserves
WATERS Collaborative
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Enduring solutions from an informed, creative citizenry working together across private and public sectors
WATERS Collaborative
University Contribution• Best available teaching techniques:
service-learning, holistic, place-based
• Across all disciplines
• Skills and motivation for a life time of engagement
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Sonoma State University
I. Introduction to WATERS Collaborative
II. Accomplishments
III. Diversity of Engagement Approaches
IV. Replicating Program to Other Campuses
WATERS Collaborative
www.sonoma.edu/watersPreserves
Watershed Academics to Enhance Regional Sustainability
WATERS Collaborative
www.sonoma.edu/watersPreserves
WATERS is a collaborative endeavor between Sonoma County Water Agency and Sonoma State University to undertake projects that enhance:
• watershed management
• academic training of students
(est. August 2012)The project is in its 2nd year and is contracted through Spring 2016
www.sonoma.edu/watersPreserves
Coordinator
Faculty and Students
How WATERS Works
Symposium
Assess Problem
Design
Implement
Monitor
Evaluate
Adjust
Water Agency(or partner)
How WATERS Works
WATERS Coordinator – 25% FTE• academic-management
communication• distribution of funding• logistics • data sharing• media• website development
www.sonoma.edu/watersPreserves
How WATERS Works
WATERS Websitewww.sonoma.edu/waters
About UsProjectsPeopleLogisticsLibrary & DataNews & Events
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How WATERS Works
Web Tools for SCWA to Engage SSU• SSU water expertise guide • Water-related courses• Academic engagement guidelines • Existing collaborations
Web Resources for New Projects• Annotated library• Shared data• Permitting guidelines• Volunteer and docent information
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SSU Campus
Fairfield Osborn Preserve
How WATERS Works
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Copeland Creek Projects
How WATERS Works
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Project Reports
Summary
Participants
Methods
Quality Assurance
Resulting Data and Reports
Informational Resources
Data Disclaimer
The WATERS Collaborative is an educational endeavor that provides motivational educational experiences for students with local watershed management issues. Data collected by students vary widely in quality. While we endeavor as much as possible to quantify measurement error, we provide data with the understanding that they are not guaranteed to be correct or complete. Conclusions drawn from such information are the sole responsibility of the user and the user assumes the entire risk related to use of this data and this site. Neither SSU, nor any of its members or employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or utility of this information, nor does the fact of distribution constitute a warranty.
How WATERS Works
SCWA Funding: $68,000/yr + matching funds
70% Program Support• ¼ time WATERS Coordinator and assistant
30% Project Specific Support• Project supplies• Course development• Symposium
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Summary of Accomplishments
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Topics No. Projects
Sediment and Erosion 7
Riparian Restoration 5
Water Quality 3
Availability and Use 7
WATERS Support 2
Summary of Accomplishments
2012-13 2013-14Students 473 387
Faculty 11 15
Courses/Depts/Schools 15/8/3 20/9/3
Projects 14 21
Community Partners 9 12
Matching Funds $20,000 $63,834
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Cross-Course Service-Learning • Biology - Environmental Microbiology • Chemistry - Honors Chemistry • Liberal Arts - Water Seminar / Challenge
and Response in the Modern World• Freshman FYE – A Watershed Year • Environmental Studies - Water Technology
and Toxicology• Summer Internships
Diversity of Engagement Mechanisms
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Copeland Creek Water Quality Monitoring Project
Internship Training
5-Week Training• Species identification• Field techniques• Management strategy
Partnerships • Work parties with 6 land
managers throughout the county
Diversity of Engagement Mechanisms
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SSU Preserves Land Management Program
Diversity of Engagement Mechanisms
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Copeland Creek Flood Watch
Student Assistantships
• Osborn Environmental Sensor Network: sensor-to-screen network built by students for students
• Student Fee (IRA): students employed as network managers
• WATERS: SSU Preserves Weather Station
Sustainability in the Classroom Grant Program
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Curriculum Development
• Collaboration with Sustainable SSU (Director, Paul Draper)
• 4 awards of $1,500 each
• Support faculty integrating sustainability service-learning activities into course
• Awards to sociology, statistics, business, environmental studies
Diversity of Engagement Mechanisms
Reasons for Success
• Innovative water agency
• Interested faculty
• Location
• Data sharing
• Coordinator position
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Replicating Program Approach
Grant Davis General Manager
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Replicating Program Approach
CSU Water –Related Programs
• 10 CSU Campuses: Chico, Fresno, Humboldt, Northridge, Pomona, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Sonoma
• System-wide: CSU Water Resources and Policy Initiative (www.calstate.edu/water)
o Watershed Management Experiential Learning for USDA Careers
o Faculty Research Incentive Award Program
Field Stations and Marine Laboratories As Coordinators
Match real-world environmental challenges to academic activities
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Replicating Program Approach
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Replicating Program Approach
UC Natural Reserve System
• 39 sites
CSU Field Stations and Marine Laboratories
• 26 sites
The WATERS Collaborative
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