Inland Empire Waterkeeper

Established in 2005, Inland Empire Waterkeeper serves to protect the water quality of the Upper Santa Ana River Watershed through advocacy, education, research and enforcement. We seek to build a regional, collaborative approach to watershed management through developing solutions to water quality challenges for the good of the environment and the community. Waterkeeper works with government agencies to ensure proactive water policy, to increase awareness among citizens, policymakers and businesses, and to promote compliance with the federally-mandated Clean Water Act and other environmental laws. 

Inland Empire Waterkeeper’s flagship educational program, RiverKATS: Kid Activism Together with Science, allows us to keep our promise to protect the river for the enjoyment of future generations. The RiverKATS program aims to inspire students to care about their river and their watersheds through providing hands-on environmental education and mentoring activities that provide underserved, underprivileged high school students with field trips, hands-on activities, and one-on-one mentoring with environmental professionals. While our project aims to encourage students to explore careers in environmental science, we hope that their experiences with the program instill in them a deep appreciation for a historically-underutilized community resource.

Inland Empire Waterkeeper's newest educational program, RiverCamp, is a STEM based environmental science camp for children of the IE. This amazing summer program introduces students to crucial concepts of ecology, earth science, and conservation through hands-on activities that emphasize inquiry and problem-solving.