The Walnut Creek Watershed Learning Network runs three times a year—spring, summer, and fall—and each cohort is its own adventure. The spring and fall sessions run for seven weeks, while the summer session is a fast‑paced five‑week experience, all held on Saturdays to make participation accessible. Open to teens and adults (15+), each cohort blends in‑person learning days, one immersive watershed field trip, and at‑home or online activities that let you explore the cohort’s theme at your own pace.
The Walnut Creek Watershed Learning Network (WCWLN) returns in Fall 2026 with an exciting new focus on Urban Heat Islands through our Heat Island Learning Team. This hands-on learning experience will explore how extreme heat impacts daily life across our neighborhoods and throughout the city, while empowering participants to become part of the solution.
Throughout the season, participants will engage in a welcoming and collaborative environment where lived experiences are valued, local knowledge is celebrated, and community connections are strengthened. Through interactive activities and real-world exploration, participants will gain a deeper understanding of heat impacts, local data, and the connections between urban heat, watershed health, and community well-being.
The program will also provide practical strategies for staying safe during extreme heat events, reducing heat-related risks, and supporting cooling efforts within neighborhoods. Along the way, participants will build new skills, learn about community-led solutions such as tree planting, shade creation, and green infrastructure, and connect with neighbors, organizations, and partners working together to create a cooler, healthier, and more climate-resilient Walnut Creek watershed.
Community Project: Throughout the program, every participant develops their own individual community project—an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned and make a meaningful impact in the Walnut Creek watershed. You’ll design your project, receive support and guidance along the way, and present it at the end of the program to graduate and receive a $400 stipend. This is your chance to create something rooted in your interests, your neighborhood, and your vision for a healthier, more connected watershed community.
Fall 2026 WCWLN/HILT Schedule:
ALL SESSIONS TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAYS. IN‑PERSON SESSIONS RUN FROM 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM, WITH GRADUATION DAY ENDING AT 3 PM.
September 26th — In‑Person Session
October 3rd — Self‑Guided Learning
October 10th — In‑Person Session
October 17th — Self‑Guided Learning
October 24th — In-person: Field Trip
October 31st — In‑Person Session: Community Project Round 1
November 7th — In‑Person Session: Community Project Round 2 & Graduation
