April 9, 2018 – South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) is offering a free week-long summer science program for high school students to learn about meadow ecosystems and assess meadow health.

Thanks to a grant from the National Forest Foundation, SYRCL is launching a new summer youth program this July. SYRCL’s Youth Outdoor Leadership Opportunity (YOLO) engages students in understanding how meadows function, collecting scientific data, and determining how people can most effectively manage and restore a headwater meadow ecosystem.

“Loney Meadow in the Tahoe National Forest is SYRCL’s first major meadow restoration project and we are very excited to train the next generation of Yuba watershed stewards while discovering the impact of our restoration work there,” said Betsy Harbert, River Science Project Manager.

Participants will work alongside SYRCL River Science staff to study the impacts of human activity on meadow health and discover how meadows can be restored. Participants will conduct biological surveys to assess meadow species richness and diversity, hydrologic regime, and meadow restoration success.

“This is a unique opportunity for high school students to participate in authentic scientific research conducted in the headwaters of the Yuba River watershed. Experiences such as this aid students in standing out on college and university applications while providing valuable training in the field of restoration ecology,” said Rachel Hutchinson, River Science Director.

For more information contact Megan Learned, megan@yubariver.org or (530) 265-5961 x218

Program Details:

  • Choose from one of three, 1-week sessions:
    • July 9-13, 2018
    • July 16-20, 2018
    • July 23-27, 2018
  • Most of the time will be spent outdoors at Loney Meadow in the Tahoe National Forest. Physical work and hiking are expected.
  • Participants will meet at the SYRCL office at 8 AM and return at 5 PM. Transportation to and from the program site will be provided by SYRCL.
  • Lunch and snacks will be provided.
  • A mandatory orientation will be held from 9 AM – 3 PM on June 2nd and 3rd.
  • Preference given to students who will be sophomores, juniors and seniors for the 2018-19 school year.
  • Applications can be found at www.yubariver.org. The application deadline is April 30, 2018

About SYRCL: The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL, pronounced “circle”) is the leading voice for the protection and restoration of the Yuba River watershed. Founded in 1983 through a rural, grassroots campaign to defend the South Yuba River from proposed hydropower dams, SYRCL has developed into a vibrant community organization with over 3,500 members and volunteers based in Nevada City, CA. See:  www.yubariver.org

About the National Forest Foundation: The National Forest Foundation’s mission is to engage Americans in promoting the health and public enjoyment of our National Forests. www.nationalforests.org