Independent Projects

High School Juniors & Seniors Students engaged in local service projects.

Program Goals
Independent Projects provide students with the opportunity to become truly engaged in the maintenance and preservation of their local watershed.   Project ideas are student driven and address local issues related to watershed health.  Students participate in place-based, service learning projects ranging from scientific investigations to creative arts explorations.  Students have opportunities to present their findings and share their creations with their peers and communities through HWI publications, website, student summits and local events. 

Participation in Independent Projects offers students opportunities for:
Enhanced awareness of their local watershed
Connections to community organizations and partners
Public speaking occasions
Career related learning experience
Support through education grants
Recognition for the merit of their work

Examples

Tracing the Deschutes by Ben Hayes
Ben Hayes, a student from Catlin Gable School traced the Deschutes River from the headwaters to the mouth taking photos and journaling along the way as a part of his senior project. Ben is now a college student and is searching for a funder to print his work. Click here to view his final product, Tracing the Deschutes.

Whychus Creek Restoration Project by Sisters High School students
The Healthy Waters Institute partnered with Wolftree and Sisters High School to repair a half mile of priority riparian zone on Whychus Creek. This includes site evaluation, project planning and coordination, field work and project evaluation. Students created a project action plan as well as a portfolio including a project description, journal writing, questions for discussion and analysis, field sheets, reflections, etc. 750 small riparian plants and shrubs were restored to Whychus Creek. Students delivered a community presentation to interested partners and stakeholders. Click here to view a powerpoint presentation created by the students.

Submissions

Take a look at what students around Oregon have created and find out how to submit your or your student’s work.

Online Activities

Click here for activities for students.

Evaluation

Click here to fill out pre-information about your upcoming independent project.