The WATERS Collaborative: One Model for Multi-Disciplinary Service-Learning

The WATERS Collaborative: One Model for Multi-Disciplinary Service-Learning

Dr. Claudia Luke, DirectorSonoma State University Preserves

www.sonoma.edu/watersPreserves

WATERS Collaborative


Enduring solutions from an informed, creative citizenry working together across private and public sectors

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=QP-JQEyx8-N37M&tbnid=idO8Axkpbh5D5M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://ecoleader.org/&ei=mjc6UaP4HoT9ygHYpYC4DQ&bvm=bv.43287494,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNFNV9s-77-CGZCPFEDo1Xw6owhtPQ&ust=1362856206279276



University Contribution• Best available teaching techniques:

service-learning, holistic, place-based

• Across all disciplines

• Skills and motivation for a life time of engagement


Sonoma State University



I. Introduction to WATERS Collaborative

II. Accomplishments

III. Diversity of Engagement Approaches

IV. Replicating Program to Other Campuses





Watershed Academics to Enhance Regional Sustainability



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




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




How WATERS Works

WATERS Websitewww.sonoma.edu/waters

About UsProjectsPeopleLogisticsLibrary & DataNews & Events




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




SSU Campus

Fairfield Osborn Preserve

How WATERS Works


Copeland Creek Projects



How WATERS Works


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




Summary of Accomplishments


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


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


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



SSU Preserves Land Management Program





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


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




Reasons for Success

• Innovative water agency

• Interested faculty

• Location

• Data sharing

• Coordinator position


Replicating Program Approach

Grant Davis General Manager






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







UC Natural Reserve System

• 39 sites

CSU Field Stations and Marine Laboratories

• 26 sites



The WATERS Collaborative

www.sonoma.edu/preservesPreserves


Documents

The WATERS Collaborative: One Model for Multi-Disciplinary Service-Learning