Classes

 

The Stream Stewards program is offered over three weeknights and six Saturdays between September 22 and November 3. Classes run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.  Below is a summary of topics covered in the class sessions. The 2012 class schedule is available here.

Stream Steward classGeology  

  • Rock formation
  • Local geological information
  • Local volcanic activity

Hydrology

  • Hydrologic cycle and local watersheds
  • Difference and relationships between surface water and ground water
  • Watersheds - how we affect them and what we can do to help

Riparian and Wetland Plants

  • Problematic species of plants and animals, development and individual impacts
  • Plant identification
  • Specific communities for different riparian plants
  • Cultural needs
  • Function of a riparian area

Northwest Birds

  • Functions of birds to Pacific Northwest
  • Basic bird anatomy
  • Birds specific to Clark County
  • Dangers to birds, and what we can do to help

Northwest Mammals

  • Basic function of mammals
  • Basic animal anatomy
  • Clark County specific species
  • Dangers of mammals and what we can do for help

Aquatic Bugs

  • What are macro invertebrates?
  • What can they tell us about our environment?
  • Species identification

Stream StewardsWater Quality

  • What is water quality testing?
  • Testing procedure
  • What are we looking for?
  • Why is water quality important?

Salmon

  • What makes good fish habitat
  • Fish identification and basic anatomy
  • Importance of salmon to Pacific Northwest
  • Human factors, what can we do better, locally and individually

Reptiles and Amphibians

  • What is a reptile?
  • What is an amphibian?
  • Life cycle and local species
  • Why are they important?

Stream Restoration

  • What is restoration and why do we do it?
  • Restoration process
  • Overall goals for restoration work
  • Site visits

Stewards"Make a Difference Day"

  • National day of service celebration
  • Apply new skills and knowledge
  • Meet Stream Stewards
  • Variety of opportunities for involvement

NatureScaping

  • Learn four basic needs of all animals
  • Learn the importance of maximizing your yard space
  • Importance of corridors
  • Importance of native plants
  • Role of pets in NatureScaping

Graduation

Stewards that attend all of the workshops receive a certificate of completion

  • How can you pay back your tuition?
  • How do you report your hours?
  • What kind of activities are you interested in?

 

Continuing Education Workshops are offered throughout the year.

Previous workshops have included:

Rain Management
Winter Twig Identification
Fly Identification and Fly Casting
Pacific Northwest Fungus