CWC plays a critical role in the central coast of California by providing valuable watershed monitoring and educational programs focusing on salmonid streams and non point source pollution issues. CWC has managed 8 watershed monitoring programs involving more than 250 volunteers annually and providing watershed monitoring on over 70 miles of streams. These programs operate in the counties of Santa Cruz , San Mateo and Monterey . The data collected by our monitoring programs is used by local resource agencies to identify limiting factors with regards to salmonid habitat and recovery and riparian conservation priorities. Funding for our programs is provided through federal, state and foundation grants; private donations, organizational fundraising events; contract services with nonprofits and government agencies and general membership fees.

CWC program areas focus on:

• Watershed Stewardship, Research and Rehabilitation
• Watershed Education and Outreach (with regards to endangered species & nonpoint source pollution)
• Organizational Support and Technical Assistance

The Coastal Watershed Council has developed education and outreach materials concerning endangered aquatic species including salmon and steelhead, migrating songbirds, and amphibians. We also provide research and reference materials on the disappearance of riparian habitat within the central coast of California . Our education programs focus on providing landowners, residents, and community members with scientifically accurate information regarding species' life histories, habitat needs, and population status. Along with educational materials, we also provide workshops and field tours for interested parties in order to provide on-the-ground examples of conservation measures and habitat needs for sensitive species. Our philosophy is to get people out into our coastal watersheds so that they may understand the ecology of aquatic ecosystems.