The Hays Creek Watershed: A Case Study of Collaborative Watershed Restoration Planning and Place-Based Learning

Abstract

The goal of many environmental studies programs is to immerse students in real-world learning contexts while also contributing to the improvement of environmental conditions in local regions. Watersheds provide an excellent integrating context in which to pursue these complementary goals. For instance, the Chesapeake Bay watershed is a well-known national treasure that is experiencing many of the environmental problems facing watersheds everywhere, primarily centered on water pollution from anthropogenic sources. This paper describes the approach used in one particular course at a small liberal arts institution to facilitate student learning about and contribution to local watershed issues.