Upper Deschutes Watershed Council

The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council seeks to protect and restore the upper Deschutes River watersheds through collaborative projects in habitat resto-ration, long-term monitoring, and watershed education. Our education program, known as The Upstream Project, connects Central Oregon students to the natural world in positive and empowering ways.

The Upstream Project addresses the overwhelming need to connect youth to the natural world, enhance environmental literacy, and bring nature back into childhood. Research indicates that youth are spending less time outside than ever before and this disconnection from nature has led to a condition known as nature deficit disorder. Nature deficit disorder refers to detrimental impacts to children’s health. The Upstream Project creates meaningful outdoor environmental education opportunities for students to connect to their surrounding natural world while inspiring them t o fall in love with nature.

Time and time again, our students tell us that spending time outside brings them a sense of peace and happiness that they treasure. Join us and help us do more!

RUBBER BOOTS FOR CHRISTMAS!
Your donation will help connect kids to the natural world.
$40 will buy rubber boots for students to wade in Tumalo Creek.
$100 unplugs students from facebook and transports them to the Metolius River to witness spawning salmon!
$250 helps an entire class of wide-eyed elementary students to learn to love our Deschutes River.
$500 cultivates a healthy sense of self and sense of stewardship in 30 Central Oregon students!