Caring for Clear Lake

Supporting regional environmental education with research-backed materials

Informed by robust Tribal and community ecological knowledge, expertise, and priorities, these environmental education materials engage youth in local scientific efforts to restore Clear Lake. The materials highlight the work of partners, analyze locally-sourced data, utilize participatory science projects, and integrate culturally relevant perspectives on restoration and caretaking.

Module 1

Dive in to the region’s biodiversity by making observations, developing student questions, collecting biodiversity data, and learning about how data is being used by local Tribes and organizations.

Module 2

Clear Lake’s waters are cared for by many. Learn more about cultural connections, examine water quality data and key managing agencies, contribute data on potential harmful algal blooms, and make plans to get involved in the community.

Module 3

Travel as the Clear Lake hitch from the tributaries and into the lake, to reflect on how the watershed has changed over time, and collect data to support local Tribes, organizations, and agencies working to improve watershed health for all.

Module 4

Examine relationships with fire, understand how current land management practices came into place, learn from Tribal and community members about bringing good fire back to the land, and inspire students to contribute their skills.

We respectfully acknowledge that the materials developed were created for Clear Lake, the traditional homelands of the following federally recognized Tribes:

Danoxa, Mountains by the water (Robinson Rancheria); Elem, The people of the water (Elem Indian Colony); Habematolel, Village of the rock people (Habematolel of Upper Lake); Wilokyomi, Ash Home (Middletown Rancheria); Kuhlanapo, Waterlily People and Xabenapo, Rock People (Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians); Ye-Ma-Bax, People of Above and Beyond (Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians); and Koi (Koi Nation).

We acknowledge that Xa Batin (Big Water), or Clear Lake, has been the source of creation stories and a main source of life for these people that have called this place home since time immemorial. We acknowledge that the traditional values and life ways of these tribes has in the past and present been symbiotic with nature, spirit and life.

Project Team

The Blue Ribbon Committee on the Rehabilitation of Clear Lake

The Socio-Economic Subcommittee of the Blue Ribbon Committee

Lake County Office of Education

UC Davis Center for Community and Citizen Science

UC Davis Center for Regional Change

The Tribal Environmental Education Advisory Committee

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