Conserve the Carson River Work Days

Funded by the Carson Water Subconservancy District (CWSD) and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), and supported by local conservation districts, high school and elementary students team up to learn about the Carson River watershed and work on conservation projects. River Wranglers trains the high school students, preparing them to mentor the elementary students. The high school students lead their pod of elementary students through several activity stations where they experience the water cycle, use a map to create the Carson River watershed on the ground, explore nonpoint source pollution, learn about animal adaptations, and more. The last station includes a work project of wrapping trees to protect them from beaver damage, harvesting and planting willow wattles on the river bank, constructing bird nest boxes, or planting native species. Students eat lunch together and review the journals assigned to the elementary students. The day ends with a gathering, group photos, thank you cheers, and the water conservation pledge.  Once back in class, elementary students hone their letter writing skills by sending a personalized note to their high school mentor, sharing what they learned and liked about Conserve Carson River Work Day.  Ranked by high school and elementary students alike, this is “one of the best field trips ever!”