Students work alongside conservation experts on watershed project
Students in the Environmental Technology program have partnered with a regional conservation group to assist with a major river cleanup and monitoring initiative along the Tamsin River. The project, which began in early April, gives students hands-on experience in field data collection, water quality testing, and habitat restoration.
The initiative focuses on the tributaries near the Benchlands Campus, an area that has seen increased runoff from urban development. Students are working in teams to collect water samples, identify invasive plant species, and remove debris from the riverbanks under the supervision of faculty and conservation volunteers.
"This project bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world application," says Owen Pritchard, chair of the Environmental Technology department. "Students are learning how to use professional-grade monitoring equipment and how to communicate their findings to the public and local government."
The partnership also provides a pathway for co-op students. Environmental Technology is a co-op program, and three paid work terms are built into the curriculum. This semester, several students have secured placements with the conservation group, allowing them to contribute to long-term watershed management while earning academic credit.
Students have already completed water quality assessments at five sampling sites. Early results show improved clarity in sections where invasive species were removed, though nutrient levels remain a concern. The data collected will be compiled into a report for the City of Wrenford's environmental services department.
"It is rewarding to see students take ownership of their community's natural resources," says one student, Maya, Environmental Technology, who is completing her first co-op term with the group. "We are not just cleaning up; we are learning how to measure the health of the ecosystem and advocate for its protection."
The conservation group has praised the students' contributions, noting that the additional manpower has allowed them to cover more ground than previously possible. The partnership is expected to continue through the spring term, with plans for a summer monitoring project.
For more information about co-op opportunities in the Environmental Technology program, visit the Co-op & Career Services page.