Watsonville Wetlands Watch (WWW) is dedicated to preserving, restoring, and fostering appreciation of the wetlands of the Pajaro Valley. We restore wetlands, plant trees, and develop youth environmental leaders for a healthier, climate resilient Pajaro Valley.
Programs benefit students, residents, and local habitats. We provide education and field trips to over 6,000 students from the Pajaro Valley USD each year, from low-to-moderate income households. We engage students in hands-on data collection, analysis, and scientific experimentation to develop their skills as scientists and support learning and leadership development to inspire them to be environmental stewards. Restoration efforts benefit local wildlife and the wetland ecosystems that connect the Pajaro Valley to the Monterey Bay.
Our Green Grizzlies Club won the state of California Resource Recovery Association’s Next Generation Recycler Award (2025). WWW will collaborate with PVUSD teachers and students to expand it from Pajaro Valley High School to middle schools, engaging students in on-campus food waste diversion, composting, litter cleanups, school greening, and peer outreach. This will develop environmental leaders, support student and environmental health, and offer skill-building, hands-on learning opportunities.
We will provide staff, curriculum, presentations, supplies, stipends and incentives. High school interns will mentor and support the middle school students. Please join us!
Leading restoration projects like planting native species and removing invasive plants taught me that protecting the environment isn’t just about nature — it’s about helping both ecosystems and the community.
Oscar Ponce-Jarquin, Watsonville, 18 years
