Montclair, CA – Inland Empire Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops participated in a day of watershed conservation coordinated by the Chino Basin Water Conservation District on Saturday, July 22. Over 75 scouts of all ages engaged in hands-on activities to earn badges and a special Water Conservation Patch at CBWCD’s Water Conservation Center in Montclair.

“We designed this morning of ‘fun with purpose’ activities to bring young leaders to the forefront of regional watershed conservancy,” said Becky Rittenburg, CBWCD’s Community Programs Manager. “Programs like Scout Discovery Day help us inspire the next generation to learn about water conservation, watershed ecosystems, and social responsibility.”

Scouts learned all about water and soil conservation practices to earn their patches and badges. One scout shared that they learned “the process of what happens to groundwater.” Throughout the day, scouts discovered where their water comes from, how it travels to their taps, and ways to save and protect our shared watershed. At the end of the day’s activities, Girl Scouts met requirements for “It’s Your Planet – Love It!” Journey, while Boy Scouts are now eligible for the “Soil & Water Conservation” merit badge.

Educational partnerships such as Scout Discovery Day are part of CBWCD’s long-term efforts to reduce water use and increase local groundwater supplies by promoting water conservation and groundwater percolation. CBWCD’s Water Conservation Center is a gathering place for water conservation education in the region, providing high-quality programs for K-12 students, as well as programs for landscape professionals and homeowners.