Connecting Students to the Land Through Hands-On Conservation
The Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship (SLEWS) Program connects high school students with real-world habitat restoration projects on farms, ranches, and open spaces.
Through hands-on field experiences, students learn about ecology, biodiversity, climate adaptation, and conservation while working alongside educators, landowners, and community partners.
Students are committed to one project site and participate in three consecutive field days, allowing them to see their work develop over time and build a lasting connection to the land.
One Project. Three Field Days. Lasting Impact.
SLEWS students return to the same restoration site for three consecutive field days. Each visit builds on the last as students learn about the site, work together, restore habitat, and see their impact over time.
Hear From Our Students
“SLEWS is a really fun program. You’re able to immerse yourself in nature with your friends, your mentors, and if you’re someone who has climate doom, this is a great outlet for your mental health. It’s very calming and you learn a lot of new things, like native plants and drip irrigation. Overall, it’s just a really fun program and I really recommend it.”
— Andrea SLEWS Student
BECOME A SLEWS MENTOR!
Mentors help SLEWS students connect with the land, and each other. We have project sites across Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, and San Joaquin Counties. No experience needed. Apply by October 9.
“When I first came here, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But after interacting with the mentors and learning about their careers, it really inspired me. Seeing their passion and hearing about their experiences made me realize that I want to pursue a path like theirs one day.”
SLEWS Academy
SLEWS Academy expands the reach of SLEWS by equipping educators, teachers, and natural resource professionals to replicate the SLEWS model in their own communities. Through training and ongoing support, participants learn how to engage youth in hands-on restoration, environmental education, and meaningful connections to their local landscapes.
Become a SLEWS Partner
SLEWS is multifaceted, bringing together students, teachers, landowners, restoration professionals, and community supporters through collaboration. Each partner plays an important role in making SLEWS projects possible from providing restoration sites and expertise to engaging students and supporting the resources needed for hands-on field experiences.
Learn
Explore local ecosystems, wildlife, and the science behind restoration.
Restore
Plant native vegetation, improve habitat, install restoration features, and care for the land
Connect
Explore local ecosystems, wildlife, and the science behind restoration.
Make an Impact
Return to the site and see how your work is helping restore the landscape.
See SLEWS at work in your region!
Regions: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Butte (SLEWS Academy is statewide)
Strategic Program Partners: Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, NRCS, Yolo County RCD, Point Blue Conservation Science, Putah Creek Council, City of Rancho Cordova, Sacramento Tree Foundation, LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards, SMUD Shine, Cache Creek Conservancy, Kitchen Table Advisors, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, EBMUD, and Sacramento Area Sewer District