Taking Out the Trash
Sharing the Responsibility for Keeping our Creeks, Shorelines, and Ocean Free of Marine Debris
I'm looking forward to seeing you at one of our Coastal Cleanup Day events on Saturday, September 19! I am always heartened by the level of enthusiasm and concern expressed by volunteers at cleanup events. Inevitably, someone asks, "Where does this trash come from and who is responsible for it ending up far away from its source - all the way to the middle of the Pacific Ocean?"
Green Jobs for North Richmond Youth
Green Academy Promotes a Sustainable Future
Green jobs are sprouting up all over the Bay Area. While much of the Green For All movement has focused on the clean energy sector, restoration and conservation jobs have remained under the radar. This summer The Watershed Project spearheaded a youth employment training program focused on this critical sector of the environmental field. Collaborating with the Contra Costa County Housing Authority, the North Richmond Young Adult Empowerment Center, The Williams Group, and several other local allies, we were able to provide fifteen young adults from North Richmond with a solid introduction to conservation career paths as well as key links to local job opportunities. During the six week program, youth trainees worked on projects in sustainable landscaping, plant propagation, nursery maintenance, and creek and wetlands restoration.
What's in Your Watershed?
The Sleek Mink
Photo by Cheryl Reynolds
People in Martinez go wild for local wildlife. In fact, this enthusiastic city held its inaugural "Beaverfest" earlier this summer, a celebration of a local beaver population that has grown over the past few years. Now there is more cause to celebrate. A new cute and cuddly critter has joined the Martinez community: minks. Minks are native to the Bay Area, but they are quite rare. Their presence is a sign of a healthy creek and is an exciting addition to the watershed.
Our Team is Growing
Internship Program Attracts New Talent
Interns don't make coffee. Instead, they actively assist in the planning and implementation of our programs. Since the launch of The Watershed Project's Internship Program last spring, we have received dozens of applications from highly qualified and eager candidates. Each successful applicant collaborates with one of our managers on a specific project, ultimately taking on a leadership role to help achieve our watershed mission. Here is what some of our interns are working on...
