Since the inception of Creekside Conservancy (formerly Heernett Environmental Foundation) in 1996, we've strived to pursue education and outreach as part of our mission.

​We are continually working on meaningful programs to provide resources and experiences for local community members, landowners, students, and other organizations to understand the symbiotic relationships between human impacts and the fragile balance of ecosystem functions.   

Student Education

Some examples of these types of programs focus on student education, such as:

• Internship programs for our regional college students to work and experience hands-on approaches to learning.
• The Living Labs, through which we partnered with local school districts and teachers to allow for opportunities to come into classrooms to discuss and share regional knowledge about ethnobotony and natural resources.

Hundreds of students have participated with on-the-ground projects, providing different habitat types on our properties for both native riparian plant planting, as well as monitoring stations for students to conduct actual water quality monitoring tests.

Learn more about the Living Labs.

Community Education

​Creekside has also hosted “town hall” meetings, providing a platform and facilitation for local residents and community members to discuss regional environmental issues and concerns, proposed ESA listings and what they could mean for landowners, basin wide water issues, and community planning. We consistently work with local governments and municipalities to provide resources and information to support planning efforts and further negotiations for long-term planning. 


Through other outreach methods, Creekside has consistently been requested to participate in regional festivals, events, workshops, seminars, and conferences. During these events, we provide direct dialog and discussion on critical issues, topics of the event, and general environmental outreach. We also have provided services to specific events to help ensure hands-on experiences for families that attend.

​Staying involved in the schools and community is a critical component to our overall mission by sustaining stewardship, sharing information and resources, as well as, active encouragement and inspiration to promote informed long-term management practices which are beneficial for both the community and ecoregion.​