FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 3, 2022
CONTACT:
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Public Relations
619-685-3291
PublicRelations@sdzwa.org
sdzwa.org
Brianne Page
Port of San Diego
Marketing and Communications
619-686-6243
BPage@portofsandiego.org
portofsandiego.org
NEWS RELEASE
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Announces Successful End to Four-year Environmental Education Program in Partnership with the Port of San Diego
Nearly 3,000 Students from Low-income Communities Participated in Guardians of the Bay, to Help Protect Local Watershed
SAN DIEGO (Jan. 3, 2022) – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, in collaboration with the San Diego Unified Port District, today announced the successful conclusion of Guardians of the Bay, their environmental education program. The program was designed to ignite a passion for local watersheds among students, inform them about how to make a difference and inspire personal responsibility for conservation of San Diego Bay. Guardians of the Bay provided an intensive week-long, project-based education experience to more than 2,800 students in grades 6 through 8 from low-income communities, over a four-year period.
Participating schools were located within 3 miles of Chollas Creek, a natural creek within the Pueblo Watershed that carries stormwater from Lemon Grove and La Mesa to San Diego Bay. This area is home to many diverse and important species of plants and animals, but is impacted by pollution, illegal dumping, and habitat degradation. The program created an opportunity for students to generate change in their communities and support the overall health of the bay by using science, technology, art, engineering and design to create solutions.
"We are grateful to the Port of San Diego for making it possible for us to develop and bring the Guardians of the Bay program to schools near San Diego Bay," said Erika Kohler, interim executive director of the San Diego Zoo. “Together, we were able to empower young conservation allies to make a difference in the world, starting in their own backyard. We’re confident they’ll remain guardians of their local watershed and beyond."
Each grade focused on a different subject: citizen science for Grade 6, biodiversity for Grade 7 and climate change for Grade 8. Curriculum was reinforced from one year to the next using a scaffolding structure. Formal evaluations of Guardians of the Bay were conducted annually, to assess the impact of the program and students’ grasp of the material, as well as provide feedback for improvements.
Students created joint projects that were presented shortly after the end of their weeklong program each year. The innovative teaching methods included a combination of in-classroom learning and outdoor investigations around the bay—at Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, Cabrillo National Monument and Silver Strand State Beach—where the students had the opportunity to practice and apply grade-appropriate science and engineering techniques. They were also exposed to a variety of career options, including scientist, educator and park ranger. For many of the participating students, this was their first visit to a wild space like the wildlife refuge, as well as the beach, despite growing up within 2 miles of the coast.
“The Port of San Diego’s partnership and support of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a staple of the San Diego community, has been invaluable over the past four years,” said Timothy Barrett, senior environmental specialist for the Port of San Diego. “We’re very proud of the program’s success, and are continuously impressed with its ability to provide exciting, hands-on environmental lessons to thousands of students.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoo educators pivoted the program to be delivered completely virtually. This included creating supply kits for each student to use while participating from home. The final year’s evaluation results corroborate findings from previous years, despite limitations during the pandemic.
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About the San Diego Unified Port District’s Environmental Education & Community Outreach Program
An environmental champion for San Diego Bay and surrounding tidelands, the port engages in several proactive education and outreach efforts—including support of numerous environmental education programs, annual restoration and cleanup events, and community outreach and awareness campaigns that address environmental pollution and natural resources connected with San Diego Bay and its watershed.
About the Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay, spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The port champions maritime, waterfront development, public safety, experiences and environment—all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life, on a daily basis.
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. The Alliance empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports cutting-edge conservation and brings the stories of their work back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park—giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends from San Diego to strategic and regional conservation “hubs” across the globe, where their strengths—via their “Conservation Toolbox,” including the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bank—are able to effectively align with hundreds of regional partners to improve outcomes for wildlife in more coordinated efforts. By leveraging these tools in wildlife care and conservation science, and through collaboration with hundreds of partners, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to native habitats. Each year, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s work reaches over 1 billion people in 150 countries via news media, social media, their websites, educational resources and the San Diego Zoo Kids channel, which is in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Success is made possible by the support of members, donors and guests to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, who are Wildlife Allies committed to ensuring all life thrives.