At the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, we believe education is at the core of long-term conservation and watershed protection. Our education program, The Upstream Project, engages students of all ages in hands-on stewardship, streamside science, creative writing, art, and outdoor exploration to help them build a lasting connection and commitment to protect our local rivers and streams. We guide students to forge a lifelong, caretaking bond with our home watershed and foster the sense of stewardship needed to protect Central Oregon’s rivers and streams for generations.
"One action can create a chain reaction and, soon, hopefully, everyone will want to take care of the place I am blessed to call home."
We invite students of all ages to explore their local watershed through hands-on, discovery-based learning aligned with state standards and the Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan.
As a founding partner organization of Nature Connect of Central Oregon, we work with local partners to expand outdoor education opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. Between now and October 2026, we are working with Nature Connect to raise community support to remove barriers that can prevent all youth from having opportunities to connect to the natural world. We are helping to raise widespread support through the Youth Nature Access Fund. Learn more here and show your support today!
We offer environmental education programs to local schools throughout the year, but programs fill up quickly! Contact our Education & Development Director, Kolleen, for availability.
