The Eastern Sierra Watershed Project (ESWP) is designed to improve science education in Inyo County through a combination of hands-on science activities and supporting curriculum development, associated teacher professional development, the creation of a collaborative network of teachers and local scientists, with the engagement of the larger community.

In 2004, ESWP collaborated with the Bureau of Land Managements (BLM) Hands on the Land program, beginning the expansion of the watershed project into elementary classrooms. Through directed scientific investigations, 2nd and 4th grade students have the opportunity to explore Fish Slough, a wetland located in the arid Owens Valley.

Sixth grade students are introduced to the project by studying a creek near their school that is a part of the Owens Valley Watershed. Recently, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has agreed to restore 40 cubic feet per second of water to the Lower Owens River. Currently the river is dry in some sections while others have small, spring-fed flows. 7th and 8th graders will further their understanding of the watershed by monitoring the changes that occur. Visit the Site