A Legacy on the Land
For 25 years, SLEWS has connected students to the land through hands-on restoration projects across our region. From planting native habitat to improving riparian corridors and creating homes for wildlife, students have made a lasting impact alongside landowners, educators, and conservation partners.
SLEWS IMPACT
9,679 Students Served
1,159 Field Days
329 Restoration Projects
355 Classes
88,971 Trees, Shrubs & Forbs Planted
340,429 Grass Plugs Planted
Featured SLEWS Projects
Waggoner Elementary School
Winters, CA | 2025-2026
SLEWS students from Winters High School partnered with the Yolo Resource Conservation District (Yolo RCD) to design and implement a beautiful native landscape at a local elementary school.
Working alongside Yolo RCD, students helped transform the school grounds into a vibrant landscape featuring native plants designed to support biodiversity and create a welcoming outdoor space for students and the community.
Through the project, SLEWS students gained hands-on experience in landscape design, native plant selection, and habitat restoration while seeing their ideas become a lasting part of the school campus.
A Student-Designed Landscape That Will Last
The project gave Winters High School students the opportunity to take what they learned in the classroom and turn it into a real restoration project. Their work created a native landscape that will continue to provide educational and ecological benefits for the elementary school community for years to come.
LangeTwins
Acampo, CA | 2021-2026
LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards is committed to creating and improving wildlife habitat across its vineyards, with a focus on pollinators, beneficial insects, and connecting habitat patches throughout the agricultural landscape.
Working with the Center for Land-Based Learning and SLEWS, LangeTwins developed a multi-year plan to transform four acres of mowed grassland dominated by invasive and weedy species into pollinator habitat and oak savanna.
The project included 34 planting rows designed around the existing landscape, with native shrubs and vegetation creating habitat corridors along the vineyard. SLEWS students brought the project to life through hands-on restoration, planting native species and learning firsthand about habitat restoration in an agricultural landscape.
A Five-Year Plan Completed in Three
SLEWS was able to help LangeTwins complete the planned restoration two years ahead of schedule, demonstrating the impact students can make when hands-on education is paired with meaningful conservation projects.
Through their work, SLEWS students contributed to a long-term effort to restore habitat, support pollinators and beneficial insects, and create connected wildlife corridors for generations to come.
Mokelumne Day Use Area
Clements, CA | 2024-2026
For several years, East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) has supported the SLEWS Program and provided opportunities for students to take part in meaningful restoration projects along the Mokelumne River.
At the Mokelumne Day Use Area, a public access site managed by EBMUD, students from Bear Creek High School worked alongside restoration professionals to help restore floodplain habitat along the river.
The project focused on creating and improving floodplain habitat to support a healthier river ecosystem and provide important habitat for Mokelumne River salmon populations.
Through hands-on restoration, students experienced how their work can contribute to the health of local waterways and wildlife while gaining a deeper understanding of watershed stewardship.
A Lasting Partnership for the River
EBMUD’s continued support of SLEWS helps connect students with real-world conservation projects while advancing restoration efforts along the Mokelumne River.
Yocha Dehe–Kisi
Capay Valley | 2023-2024
Through a partnership with Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, SLEWS students are helping restore native habitat at Yocha Dehe–Kisi while learning about the importance of native plants, biodiversity, and stewardship of the land.
Students take part in hands-on planting and habitat restoration, working with a diverse mix of native species including California buckwheat, yarrow, white sage, milkweed, western redbud, yerba santa, California wild rose, California sagebrush, coffeeberry, and mugwort.
The project provides students with an opportunity to work directly on the land while learning how native plant communities support pollinators, wildlife, and healthy ecosystems.
Restoring Native Plants, Growing Future Stewards
Through this partnership, SLEWS connects students with meaningful restoration work while supporting long-term habitat restoration at Yocha Dehe–Kisi.
Image of Students learning about traditional burning practices and their role in land stewardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the three SLEWS field days?
SLEWS students return to the same project site for three consecutive field days. Each field day builds on the last, giving students the opportunity to learn about the site, complete restoration activities, and see the impact of their work over time.
What do students do during a SLEWS field day?
Students participate in hands-on restoration activities such as planting native trees, shrubs, grasses, and forbs; installing habitat features; improving irrigation; and supporting biodiversity. Activities vary depending on the needs of each project site.
Do teachers and mentors receive training?
Yes. SLEWS provides training and resources to prepare teachers, mentors, and other participating adults to support students during their restoration experience.
Who can become a SLEWS mentor?
SLEWS mentors can include conservation professionals, natural resource specialists, educators, community members, and other adults who want to share their knowledge and experience with students.
How can I become a SLEWS project partner?
Landowners and conservation organizations with restoration projects can partner with SLEWS to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities.
Can my organization start a SLEWS program?
Yes. SLEWS Academy and our training model can help educators and natural resource professionals learn how to bring the SLEWS approach to their own communities.