Projects & Programs

Think River! Youth Watershed Education Program

Think River! is a youth watershed environmental education program that has been implemented annually since 1999.  Think River! has its origins in the city of Azusa through a partnership with the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Azusa Parks and Recreation, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, U.S. National Park Service, Azusa Chamber of Commerce, and Vulcan Materials Company.  The goal at that time was to acquaint local residents with the river and its surrounding environment.  In May 2002, Think River! had its second debut, this time through a multi partnership lead by the City of Azusa and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service.  Five educational stations were placed along the river bike trail at Lario Park in the City of Azusa.  Kids and parents were encouraged to stop at each station and learn about plants and animals, geology, water, local history, and overall care and respect for the river.  In 2003, the City of Azusa partnered with the San Gabriel Mountains Regional Conservancy, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa Unified School District, Women in Mining, Fly Fishers Club of Orange County, Vulcan Materials Company, and numerous others to develop a revised Think River! program to focus on students and teachers.  Think River! provides hands-on education in water, geology, and plant and wildlife topics specific to the watershed.  Programs include teacher workshops, young adult watershed training, and field trip coordination for grades 4-6.  Various Think River! opportunities have been offered annually since 2003.

In 2005, CRC was formed in part to provide a permanent home to develop and grow Think River! program opportunities for teachers and youth in southern California.  Think River! is grateful to our many partners, funders and sponsors, and in-kind supporters without which this kind of program could not be implemented. 

Think River! San Gabriel

Think River! San Gabriel focuses on the San Gabriel River watershed in eastern Los Angeles County and northern Orange County.  Program planning is ongoing and varying opportunities are offered annually. Ongoing funding and sponsorships are needed.

Think River! Santa Clara     

Think River! Santa Clara focuses on the upper Santa Clara River watershed in northern Los Angeles County although participation in the program will be open to both Los Angeles County and Ventura County teachers and students.  Program planning is currently underway with opportunities for teachers and students beginning in Fall 2007.  Initial funding is provided through an Arco Trust Fund grant managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  Ongoing funding and sponsorships are needed.

Think River! Santa Ana     

Think River! Santa Ana focuses on the upper Santa Ana River watershed including portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties.  Program planning is currently underway with opportunities for teachers and students beginning in Fall 2008.  Initial programs will target school districts in two areas: (1) Chino Creek; and (2) San Bernardino-Colton.  Initial funding is provided through a Proposition 50 CALFED grant administered by the California Department of Water Resources and a Community Partnering Program grant awarded by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.  Ongoing funding and sponsorships are needed.

Coyote Creek Bikeway Master Plan

CRC, under contract to Trails4All in Irvine, is assisting in the development of a long-term bikeway master plan and signage improvement program for Coyote Creek, a tributary of the San Gabriel River, in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Project funds are provided through a Proposition 40 grant awarded by the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy.

Inland Empire Sustainable Watershed Program