The Caring for Our Watersheds California proposal contest, a joint program of the Center for Land-Based Learning and Nutrien, challenges students to research their local watershed, identify an environmental concern and come up with a realistic, project-based solution. At the final competition, students with the top ten proposals present their ideas to a panel of community judges to win cash rewards for themselves and matching rewards for their schools. Additional funding is available for students to complete their projects. Both finalists and non-finalists are eligible for this project funding.  In total, over $27,000 in prize and implementation money is available to students and schools who participate in the program. 

The Caring for Our Watersheds program fosters Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) learning through watershed stewardship and the development of real projects that address local concerns.  Students gain science research, writing, and presentation skills, and also learn how to identify, plan, and implement a project that benefits the environment and their community. 

Caring for Our Watersheds California is currently open to all 9th-12th* grade students who live in the Sacramento-San Joaquin watershed in Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, Colusa, Yuba, Sutter, Glenn, El Dorado, Placer, and San Joaquin counties.   *We are also piloting middle school participation in the program.

Caring for Our Watersheds California contest dates 2021-22:

TEACHER WORKSHOP- Friday, Nov. 5 2021    We reimburse your school for the cost of a substitute in order for you to attend. This year's workshop will be held at Effie Yeaw Nature Center and include a presentation and tour of the newly constructed Fish Habitat Restoration Project at Ancil Hoffman with the Water Forum and Bureau of Reclamation staff. Please join us!
ENTRY DEADLINE- Friday, Jan. 28, 2022
FINAL COMPETITION- Saturday, April 23, 2022

http://caringforourwatersheds.com/