Hands-on Citizen Science and Habitat Restoration Opportunities

Storm water runoff from 48 square miles of surrounding watershed lands flow into Stevens and Permanente Creeks as they make their way down from the Santa Cruz Mountains, through the cities of Cupertino, Mountain View, Los Altos, and Sunnyvale, and on into San Francisco Bay. Wherever we live, work, and play, we are in a watershed and are connected ecologically to our local creeks. We provide volunteers of all ages with fun opportunities to learn about neighborhood creek habitats and contribute to healthy watersheds through hands-on projects:

• Water quality monitoring — Volunteers conduct monthly water quality monitoring at nine sites on the two creeks to determine dissolved oxygen levels, pH, and other factors indicative of creek health.
• Biomonitoring using creek bugs — The insect larvae, worms, and snails which inhabit the bottom of our creeks are not only an essential part of the aquatic ecosystem, they are an important indicator of creek health. Some of these benthic macroinvertebrates, or “bugs”, are known to be pollution tolerant while others are quite sensitive. The bugs we find at a site can tell us if we have a pollution problem. Volunteers collect samples of creek bugs each fall and then meet periodically throughout the year at what is known as the “bug club” to sort and identify the bugs.
• Habitat restoration — Many important habitat areas near our local creeks have been harmed by the invasion of nonnative plants. Volunteers work with us to remove these nonnative plants and replace them with natives that provide better food and shelter for local wildlife.
• General outreach and education — Hundreds of students take part in our hands-on watershed ecology fieldtrips each year. We also invite all community members to learn more about their watershed by joining us for themed nature walks and lectures. From time to time we schedule special events such as creek cleanups.

Would you like to receive email notifications of Stevens & Permanente volunteer opportunities and activities? Please contact Joanne McFarlin at joannem*acterra.org.

Volunteer Information

Who: Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate in our activities. Children under high school age need to have an accompanying adult — unless prior permission is obtained from the event supervisor — and all minors under 18 need a signed waiver to participate. [DOWNLOAD WAIVER FORM]

What: Volunteers conduct watershed stewardship activities including water quality monitoring, biomonitoring using benthic macroinvertebrates (creek bugs), and habitat restoration. No experience is needed; we will train you.

When: Water quality monitoring is carried out one Sunday a month from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Bug club is held two Wednesday evenings a month from 5:30-8:30 pm. Habitat restoration is scheduled for various days and times.

Where: Various locations along Stevens and Permanente Creeks.

Please bring: A reusable water bottle and dress for outdoor work (sturdy shoes and long pants recommended). Minors under 18 must bring a waiver form signed by a parent. [DOWNLOAD WAIVER FORM]

Contact: Joanne McFarlin at joannem*acterra.org for more information or to schedule events for groups or classes.