Geographical Area
The Eastern Sierra Region of California is located in a very isolated, rural area created by the convergence of three western regions, the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Nested within this convergence is the Owens River Valley. To the west of Owens Valley the Sierra Nevada Mountains rise dramatically from sage covered high desert valley floor. To the east are the rugged barren slopes of the White and Inyo Mountains. U.S. Route 395 runs north-south through the Owens Valley, following the Owens River, and providing access to the nearest metropolitan areas: Reno, Nevada, a four-hour drive to the north and the greater Los Angles area, a five-hour drive to the south.

Project Beginnings
The ESWP grew out of several educational and community initiatives within the Owens Valley of Eastern California. In 1999-2000, several teachers, community educators, and academic researchers began designing a prototype for outdoor science programs developed in conjunction with the local Education Forum, created and hosted by White Mountain Research Station. Funded by the local nonprofit Eastern Sierra Institute for Collaborative Education (ESICE), a hands-on outdoor science experience was developed to actively teach 6th grade students the process of scientific inquiry through real-world monitoring of local watersheds and support 6th grade California science content standards.

Key factors in the success of the project: Direct teacher involvement in curriculum development Staff to carry out initial curriculum development and coordinate field programs Involvement of local scientists in the development and coordinate field programs Involvement of local scientists in the development of field studies Use of trained docents to create small group learning situations

Middle School Students on the Lower Owens River
The Owens River provides Los Angeles with over half of its drinking water, conveyed by an aqueduct system 223 miles in length. Operation of the aqueduct, completed in 1913, resulted in the alteration of over 60 miles of the Lower Owens River and surrounding habitat. Water was completely removed in some areas and reduced significantly in others. But as the Aqueduct approaches its 100-year anniversary, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the County of Inyo are now jointly implementing a project to reintroduce water into the Lower Owens River channel and environs. Through ESWP, Inyo County middle school students have the opportunity to participate in studies designed to monitor the changing landscape and life along the Owens River following the reintroduction of water.

Professional Development
The local Project Director and Coordinators work closely with the Inyo County Office of Education (ICOE) Curriculum and Instruction staff in the recruitment of teachers, dissemination of the project goals, incorporation of state content standards, and multi-cultural pedagogy. The ICOE staff is instrumental in coordination and facilitation of the teacher professional development institutes and after-school videoconferences.

Funding
ESWP was created and funded by start-up grants from the California Department of Education, Eisenhower Postsecondary Education Commission with the support of the White Mountain Research Station and the Eastern Sierra Institute for Collaborative Education. The program has been able to continue through generous grants from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.