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Conservation Academy
Click the yellow tabs below to learn more about each of our programs.
- Public Works Conservation Academy
- Watsonville Green Schools
- Manos a La Obra Eco team
- Climate Action
- Wastewater Recycling
- Water Resource Careers & Tour
- Wetlands of Watsonville
- Watsonville Coastal Cleanup
Public Works Conservation Academy
Contact: Tami Stolzenthaler, Environmental Education Coordinator, MA Ed
tami.stolzenthaler@cityofwatsonville.org | (831)768-3161
Engaging Watsonville youth in conservation through climate action, waste reduction, water conservation and pollution prevention through virtual and field visits, classroom presentations, action projects and interaction with Public Works services and employees.
Watsonville Green Schools: Waste & Litter Reduction Program
Let’s Refuse, Reuse, Recycle & Rot for a better Watsonville. 10% of Watsonville’s greenhouse gases come from our trash sitting in the landfill. We have another choice to reduce our waste by reusing, recycling, composting, and reducing litter.
City staff set up your school food scrap/repurpose/recycle/trash system and train staff. We engage and practice with your class at meal time and in a classroom presentation. Students participate in school cleanups using our litter survey tools to evaluate the type and amount of litter found on campus, and come up with solutions to reduce pollution.
Audience: Watsonville Students Grades K - High School
Methods: On School Campus/In class/Nearpod

Manos a la Obra Eco Team
Let us build teen leadership by supporting your teen pollution prevention projects. Projects include: school food scrap and repurposing systems, litter cleanups, stormdrain labeling, psa video creation and outreach.
Watsonville Climate Action
High School students will shape the City’s 2030 plan for Climate Action & Adaptation. View how Watsonville youth are already helping our climate future. Students provide official input on the actions Watsonville will take for a sustainable future, and learn how to prepare for local climate hazards, such as flood and fire. Can be adapted to class specialty such as chemistry, biology and social sciences.
Audience: Watsonville, Pajaro Valley & Charter High Schools

Watsonville Wastewater Recycling Tour
How did you use water today? Watsonville provides 6 million gallons of potable tap water each day to Watsonville homes and businesses. After we use it, it is treated using the latest technology at the Watsonville Wastewater Recycling Plant. Watsonville recycles over a billion gallons of fresh water a year that is a safe source of water for Pajaro Valley farms. Engage students with local water careers and technology. Guided live in person or online by Marcus from Pajaro Valley Water and Tami from Watsonville Public Works.Our Water Works in Santa Cruz County: A Discovery Book About Our Fresh Water Resources for 5th and 6th graders is available online or in print by request.
Audience: Grades 6 - High School
Methods: Live Tours/Nearpod/Google Classroom
WaterResource Careers and Technology Tour
Students conduct experiments alongside water quality technicians; job shadow water operators and mechanics; interview operators about their work, and witness the connection between what they study at school and how their water is treated everyday. This opportunity introduces local youth to the careers and science behind water treatment and exposes them to green job opportunities in Watsonville.Audience: High School or College Courses
Methods: by special appointment
Water Resource Careers and Technology Tour
Students conduct experiments alongside water quality technicians; job shadow water operators and mechanics; interview operators about their work, and witness the connection between what they study at school and how their water is treated everyday. This opportunity introduces local youth to the careers and science behind water treatment and exposes them to green job opportunities in Watsonville.
Audience: High School or College Courses
Methods: by special appointment
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Public Works & Utilities
Physical Address
250 Main Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: 831-768-3100Fax: 831-763-4065
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Tami Stolzenthaler
Environmental Education CoordinatorPhone: (831) 768-3161