Watersheds

This area of study focuses on water cycles, watersheds, and creek, pond, and lagoon habitats. It introduces hydrology and freshwater/brackish life and engages students in activities to promote awareness of their local watersheds.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that all students/groups will experience any one activity. Visiting many locations depends upon schedules, tides, and minimizing human impacts.

Watershed Hike

With its distinct ridgelines, valleys, creeks and ponds, the unique geography of the Marin Headlands brings the concept of a watershed to life. While exploring this watershed, students might: 

• Learn what a watershed is by exploring maps and creating watershed models in the sand
• Study the Rodeo Valley watershed and discuss its similarities to watersheds in their home community
• Hike to the mouth of San Francisco Bay to witness the end of the watershed, where fresh and salt waters meet

Biomonitoring at Rodeo Pond

The life in our local pond can tell us a lot about the health of our watershed. Students might:

• Use scientific collection techniques to gather macroinvertebrates from the pond
• Transport he samples back to the lab to identify and observe macroinvertebrates using microscopes
• Based on observations and data collection, assess the health of the watershed using a biotic index
  

Water Quality Testing

Rodeo Pond and Lagoon are rich with wildlife, including river otters, pelicans, and an endangered fish—the tidewater goby. Students might:  

• Collect water samples and assess pH, dissolved oxygen, phosphate and nitrate content of the pond and lagoon
• Assess water turbidity by lowering a Secchi disk into the water
• Learn how each of these factors impact plants and fish living in the watershed

Stewardship Project

Stewardship is a key component of every Headlands Institute program. While studying watersheds, students might: 

• Participate in a beach clean-up on Rodeo Beach and learn about the impact of inland trash on our coasts
• Participate in a habitat restoration project to help promote watershed health
• Discuss how they can care for the watershed in their own community

Suggested Evening Programs

Wondering what your students might do after the field day? Learn about our evening programs.