Educational Resources
Here's How
Got a site, blog, forum, or other online link that you think should be on this page? Write up a title for the link along with a brief description and email it to us. Don't forget to include the link!
If your water- or watershed-related educational event, seminar, or course isn't listed anywhere, email us the who-what-when-where-how much info and we'll consider it for posting.
Online
Russian River Interactive Information System (RRIIS)
This website is an educational tool and an interactive communication forum for the public, scientists, agencies, the Russian River Watershed Council(RRWC) and local watershed groups. A great resource!
Lower Russian River Exploration
A KQED QUEST multimedia series exploring Northern California science, Environment, and Nature. This particular exploration is of the lower Russian River area.
Instructional Materials for Teachers from the Sonoma County Water Agency
Each year, the Sonoma County Water Agency’s Water Education Program reaches thousands of students with lessons and materials on water conservation and stewardship of our local watersheds. This comprehensive regional program incorporates teacher workshops, curriculum materials, contests, assemblies, student incentives, classroom presentations, and field trips. Materials are only available to teachers that fall within our service area in Sonoma and Northern Marin counties in California, as these water providers fund the Water Education Program. Free materials!
The Story of Stuff Project
The Story of Stuff Project’s mission is to build a strong, diverse, decentralized, cross-sector movement to transform systems of production and consumption to serve ecological sustainability and social wellbeing. Our goals are to amplify public discourse on a diverse set of sustainability issues and to facilitate the growing Story of Stuff community’s involvement in strategic efforts to build a more sustainable and just world. Watch the video on YouTube.
Water Education Foundation
The Water Education Foundation offers a variety of programs to teach our California students, our future voters and leaders, about one of the most critical issues - water. The programs teach students about the history, geography and science of water. Students also learn about the difficult political and policy decisions surrounding this complex issue.
UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences
The Center for Watershed Sciences, a unit of the John Muir Institute of the Environment, is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of critical issues in watershed science --- with a focus on the sustainable and cost-effective restoration and management of stream, lake and estuarine ecosystems.
Nature Tours
Trails.com
A great site to find and explore trails in your area.
Dry Farming & Sustainable Farming
California Agricultural Water Stewardship Initiative: Dry farming
Dry farming refers to crop production during a dry season, utilizing the residual moisture in the soil from the rainy season, usually in a region that receives 20” or more of annual rainfall. This site explains the concept, its benefits, and provides several case studies including farms and a winery. There is also a list of resources.
A Return to Dry Farming
A video by Kate Wilson, produced by Russian Riverkeeper. Until the 1960 and 70's, all grapes were dry farmed in Sonoma County. It's something a few vintners are returning to, driven by factors ranging from concerns over dwindling water supplies, the belief it produces more intensely flavored fruit, or to forge a link with old traditions.
California Agriculture's Readiness for Climate Change
Farming systems that reduce the reliance on synthetic inputs, conserve natural resources and
provide multiple environmental benefits offer promising opportunities within agriculture to mitgate and adapt to climate change.