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Burrowing Owl
at the WERC
A
burrowing owl has found its home on the Environmentally Sensitive
Habitat Area that surrounds the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource
Center (WERC). The lone owl was first spotted in November 2009 in a
patch of purple needle grass and has very recently been seen using the
ground squirrel holes only meters away from the WERC outdoor classroom.
The burrowing owl is a California Species of Special Concern. Its
numbers have been in decline presumably due to urban development, ground
squirrel control efforts, and intensive agriculture practices. We are
happy to see that our protected wetland areas are a safe haven to this
ground-dwelling bird and hope it manages to find a mate!
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Birding Basics
Class 2nd Session
 One session of this
class began in January and another series begins on March 23rd. The
class, with local expert Nanci Adams, is an introduction to many of the
amazing birds here in our own community. Using digital slides, bird song
recordings, and outdoor field trips, students learn the basics of
birding in a supportive environment. For more information, click here. |
Community Musical
Planting Event
 A community musical planting event
with a live bluegrass band and food will be held on Saturday, March
27th, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Everyone is invited to attend. Meet at
the WERC (map) at 9 a.m. to carpool to the
site or meet at Tarplant Hill at 9:30. We will be restoring a wet meadow
on Tarplant Hill by planting native plants adjacent to Struve Slough.
For more details, click to email Mary or phone 831-566-4938. |
Wetlands Alive! Tours Start Up
 Tour season is almost here! Wetlands Alive! Tours begin for the season on Saturday, April 10th, at 10 a.m. Bring your friends and join us on a fun, family-oriented tour of the wetlands and our Educational Resource Center (map/directions). Tours are free, but please call 728-1156, ext. 7, by Friday noon before the tour to reserve a place. For more information, click here.
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Water Supply
Issues
 Bob Culbertson, WWW President, and Dobie
Jenkins, board member, are active members of the Action Pajaro Valley
Water Supply Subcommittee. This group is actively monitoring issues
related to our water supply and the current overdraft and water
shortage. Bob says, "We need people involved with water supply issues to
be collaborating more with people addressing flooding issues; solving
the flooding problem could help the water shortage problem." Click here to learn more.
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“Caring for
Wetlands —
An Answer to Climate Change”
This was the theme of this year's World Wetlands Day
(WWD). Michelle Templeton, Wetlands Program Coordinator, City Of
Watsonville, said that "Our International World Wetlands Day event on
Saturday, February 6th, was very successful, thanks to the efforts of
City staff and WWW staff and docents. WWW Restoration Director Jonathan
Pilch set up a restoration project with something for all ages. He and
WWW Trails Restoration Specialist John Moreno introduced participants
to the activity and expertly guided them through the development of a
community-built demonstration restoration area. This is an area people
can come back to over the years and easily watch their wetlands grow. Click here for more information. |
World Wetlands
Day at PV High
 Celebrating WWD on the Pajaro Valley High
campus, over 65 students pledged to help protect the wetlands in 2010.
High school students will make a difference this year by volunteering on
Restoration Saturdays, Coastal Clean Up Day, applying to the Wetland
Stewards After School Program, refilling water bottles to avoid the use
of plastic, recycling, and conserving water at home. More about World Wetlands Day.
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Second Graders Help, Too!
On Feb. 11th, the entire second grade at Landmark Elementary School helped with planting on Tarplant Hill. Here is docent Joan Rose helping a student; Debi Chirco-McDonald, Cathy Gamble, and Nancy Scarborough also assisted. More photos....
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Would You Like to Support Our Work ...
to
protect, restore, and foster appreciation
of the wetlands?
You can contribute online by going to our website; or send a
donation in the mail to WWW, P.O. Box 1239, Freedom, CA 95019.
Contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules for
non-profit organizations and are greatly appreciated.
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Watsonville Wetlands Watch advocates
for wetland issues, educates
elementary, middle, and high school students, restores degraded
habitats, preserves what remains whole, and teaches appreciation for
the unique beauty and life of the Pajaro Valley wetlands. In
cooperation with numerous other agencies, we support studies of and
planning for these sites. |
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