Funded Projects

Wildsight is leading this project to empower grade 10-12 students across the Columbia River Basin to engage with climate and systems change and to sharpen critical thinking related to watershed management and governance. The program combines the leading scientific and educational expertise of each partner and creates opportunities to deepen longstanding relationships with school districts, communities and Indigenous partners. The primary activity is delivering three lessons facilitated by Wildsight’s educational team in partnership with local school teachers, with the key outcome for students to understand the need for ongoing water monitoring and the collection, sharing, and analysis of data to effectively manage water. Students will engage in case studies, field methods and techniques, data analysis, and a water governance role-play activity. Additionally, they will will examine increasing land-use pressures, climate projections and potential drought scenarios and consider equity and the need for Truth and Reconciliation to inform land and water management. Students will then discuss possible solutions and positive actions at a watershed level, and receive support for small scale follow-up projects, transforming their learning into action.

“Water is the lifeblood that runs through us all – yet we are looking at a future where this precious resource becomes more and more scarce, with climate change and water quality impacts. Watershed Matters is a program for high school students that tackles real-world water issues, combining scientific knowledge with hands-on practice to build awareness, skills,and tools. From classroom learning to an immersive field trip, students learn about local water management and governance, as they create a plan to protect and share water in their own communities.”
– Monica Nissen, Education Director, Wildsight