SOLANO RCD OFFERING DISTANCE LEARNING RESOURCES TO TEACHERS, CAREGIVERS

Watershed Education Program providing interactive videos and virtual classes to support students during COVID-19

Dixon, CA (April 29, 2020): This week the Solano Resource Conservation District (Solano RCD) announced its release of new distance learning resources for teachers and caregivers to utilize while schools are closed due to coronavirus. The free resources include engaging, interactive videos featuring Solano RCD educators exploring nature as they shelter at home, virtual classroom visits, worksheets, and links to other meaningful activities. Details are available on the Solano RCD’s website, solanorcd. org, under Projects/ Programs and then Distance Learning.

Starting Wednesday, May 6, Solano RCD will also begin offering weekly online lessons called “Watershed Wednesdays.” During these virtual sessions, students can engage with Solano RCD staff and other Solano County students while learning about watersheds, how to think like a scientist, and the world of tiny freshwater animals. Although the online events are available to any Solano County student, the content will be geared towards upper elementary through lower high school grade levels. Registration is required to access the May 6, 13, 20, and 27 events but registration only needs to be completed once. The sessions will run from 10am to 11am and registration can be completed at solanorcd.org.

On March 16, Solano RCD had to cancel its spring programming as schools and parks started to close and the Solano County shelterat- home order was issued. Between March 16 and May 29, the agency’s education program was scheduled to engage with 4,330 K-12 students from 158 classes across Solano County.

We’re very excited that we can continue supporting Solano County’s students and families during this difficult time. Fortunately, nature is around us no matter where we are, so we are highlighting that in our distance learning program and encouraging students to still be nature scientists at home,” said Allison Martin, Solano RCD Education Program Manager. “We also hope that schools will use some of our printable resources to help those who may not have regular access to a computer.

“Solano RCD also expressed great appreciation to its program funders for continuing their support of the agency’s environmental education efforts. The program’s funders include Solano County and all its City Jurisdictions, Solano County Water Agency, Vallejo Water Conservation Program, Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District, and the Potrero Hills Landfill.

About Solano Resource Conservation District

Solano RCD is a nonregulatory special district to the state of California with goals to protect and enhance Solano County’s watershed resources through education, restoration, and water quality management. Its award-winning watershed education program currently serves 7,500-10,000 Solano County K-12 students annually through a suite of hands-on environmental education lessons and field trips. Learn more at solanorcd.org.