Community W.A.T.E.R. Field Studies for Schools connect classrooms with urban Stormwater Parks

Community WATER Field Studies for Schools (FSS) are designed to open up the urban and wildland landscapes as a dynamic area for learning. Community WATER Field Studies for Schools are located in the Pima County Stormwater Parks sites. Community WATER FSS programs may be 1-3 hours in length and typically take place at Stormwater Parks. Due to the size of stormwater parks and their location in the urban environment ITE suggests limiting class sizes to 20 unless additional school chaperones are available.

Whofor Keystone Educators who have participated in a Community W.A.T.E.R. Educator Workshop.

Transportation: ITE has limited funding to support transportation costs for FSS Programs. If you are interested in financial assistance please indicate this on the registration form.

Questions? Email Deborah@ironwoodtreeexperience.org

Additional Benefits: If you are interested in becoming an Ironwood Tree Experience Keystone Educator through Professional Development workshops learn more! Keystone Educator professional development workshops provide advanced training in Sonoran Desert ecology and science, culture and history! ITE Keystone Educators are able to preregister for Field Studies for Schools classroom field trips, as well as receive advance information about future programs and internships, like Youth for Blue Skies, for your students!

Community W.A.T.E.R. Educators Guide

Educator WATER Guide

Educator's Guide To Community W.A.T.E.R. Lesson Plans

Educator WATER Guide

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Lesson Plan Activities that open up Pima County Stormwater Parks and the urban landscape as a dynamic environment for learning, connection, and community action.

Lesson Plans and Worksheets

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Mapping the Invisible

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Mapping the Invisible: A lesson for exploring the environment through sensory mapping and feelings-based observation of the natural world

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Sponge City

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Sponge City: A lesson for investigating stormwater infrastructure through soil infiltration testing

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BioBlitz

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BioBlitz: A lesson for determining species richness and biodiversity by investigating stormwater parks

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Park Connections

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Park Connections: A lesson for discovering the benefits of green stormwater parks for people and place

Stormwater Parks

Palo Verde Stormwater Park

Seneca Stormwater Park

Palo Verde Stormwater Park

3701 E. Seneca St., Tucson AZ 85716
Neighborhood Park • 1.1 acres • Ward 6

Seneca Park was redesigned to encourage community engagement while supporting environmental sustainability. Seneca Park now features a detention basin and trench drain system that enhances local drainage. With a walking path meandering through native landscaping, the park also offers informative signage to educate visitors.

Elvira Stormwater Park

El Vado Stormwater Park

Elvira Stormwater Park

801 W Calle Medina, Tucson, AZ 85756 Neighborhood Park • 1.1 acres • Ward 1

In cooperation with the City of Tucson, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District designed and constructed a Green Infrastructure Water Harvesting basin at the corner of Calle Medina and Santa Clara in June 2023. The site features water harvesting basins that help reduce localized flooding and provide water for vegetation. Improvements include a food forest pocket park with native Sonoran Desert plantings and Mission Era fruit trees, a decomposed granite pathway, benches, and a picnic table for the surrounding neighborhood.

Stormwater map

Pima County Stormwater Parks

Stormwater map

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This interactive narrative focuses on the Stormwater Park Program, a flagship initiative by Pima County’s  Regional Flood Control District  (RFCD). Through this program, RFCD is transforming urban environments by integrating  Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)  to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and create valuable green spaces that enhance the livability and resilience of our communities in the Sonoran Desert.