As part of The Stephens Foundation’s Revitalize South Sacramento initiative, this program tackles environmental injustice by engaging inner-city youth in water conservation and stormwater management. Many of these young people have limited access to environmental education, so we provide the tools, knowledge, and leadership skills they need to protect their neighborhoods. Through hands-on learning, youth gain a deeper understanding of water systems, pollution prevention, and the power of civic action to improve public health and the environment.
Imagine your neighborhood is a big bowl. When it rains, all the water runs downhill and collects at the bottom of the bowl. That “bottom” is a creek, river, or lake.
A watershed is just like that — it’s the land where all the water flows to the same place.
So when we drop trash or use too much water, it doesn’t just stay where we are — it travels through the watershed and can affect animals, plants, and people all the way downstream.
That’s why taking care of our watershed means taking care of our whole community! 💧🌎
COME LEARN MORE AT OUR RSS HANGOUT - NOVEMBER 7TH
For ages 8 and up, our RSS Hangouts turn environmental action into a vibe. We mix games, music, food, and real talk about protecting our neighborhoods—so learning feels like hanging out with friends. It’s about building leaders, celebrating culture, and making stewardship something to be proud of. Come participate and learn how to make our communities healthier—one waterway at a time!
When young people take part in environmental stewardship, they gain more than knowledge—they build leadership, responsibility, and pride in their community. Youth bring fresh energy, creativity, and hope to challenges like clean water and healthy neighborhoods. By engaging early, they become lifelong advocates for a stronger, greener future.
Students see real-world connections between science, health, and their daily lives. They also get to explore their own backyard—discovering local waterways, plants, and ecosystems—while learning practical tools to care for their community and environment.
Early exposure to environmental and health issues helps prepare students for future careers in community health, public service, and STEM fields.