Contra Costa County: PG&E Helps Students Connect with Natural Environment Through Hands-on Outdoor Education

By Jennifer Privett

BAY POINT, Ca. - What happens when you combine, mud, water and kids? A wonderful opportunity to create citizen science and environmental stewards of local wetlands. On April 15, 20 Riverview Middle School students got this chance through the annual Wonder of Wetlands event sponsored by PG&E and its technical consultant Environmental Resources Management (ERM).

Sacramento State professor Dr. Michelle Stevens and her wetlands ecology students showed Riverview students how wetlands naturally filter waterways and provide a home for unique flora and fauna through a combination of a guided hike at the Bay Point Regional Shoreline and college-student led hands-on activities. These activities had Riverview students using chopsticks and other tools to understand bird beak adaptations, dipping test strips into Bay Point and tap water to learn more about water quality and discussing how native plants provided food and clothing for indigenous Californians.

Riverview Middle School Science teacher Julia Civitello spoke of the importance of the Wonder of Wetlands program for her students stating, "Many of my kids have never been to the Shoreline, despite living so close to it. Programs like this have such an impact on the students - it rekindles their interest in science and fosters a sense of respect for nature and their community."

In addition to providing hands-on learning opportunities, Sacramento State students encourage Riverview students to attend college and discuss the importance of their career paths after school.

"I had so much fun out in the Bay Point wetlands and learned so much," said Riverview Middle School student Destiny Alexander. "It was also great to talk with the Sacramento State students about what it is like in college, and it made me excited about attending college in the future!"

This is the eighth annual Wonder of Wetlands event, which has reached over 250 Riverview Middle School students to date thanks to a charitable contribution to the Society of Wetland Scientists by PG&E. PG&E supports this program while working at its Shell Pond site in the Bay Point community. PG&E is using plants to help break down the waste at Shell Pond with the ultimate goal of restoring the area to natural wetlands.

"I have always found this program to be enriching, but this year was the best yet. I was touched by seeing the welcoming environment my students created and how it allowed the middle schoolers to gain confidence and embrace their inquisitive nature," said Stevens.

PG&E and ERM volunteers repaid the favor to the Sacramento State students when representatives of the companies visited their classroom to discuss their workplace journeys and provide one-on-one network and resume advice.

Mark Krausse, PG&E's director of state agency relations, said, "It's immensely rewarding to connect with and mentor these Sacramento State students, just like they did with the Riverview students. I know that PG&E and ERM are making a positive difference in the lives of both middle school and college students and encouraging the continued stewardship of California's wetlands for years to come."

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