Whatcom Explorer
Mobile Watershed Education
Bringing Watersheds within Reach
The Whatcom Explorer Mobile Watershed is a hands-on educational tool that allows participants to connect with their local watershed and examine the natural movement of streams and rivers. Using the two features of the Explorer--the topographic model and the sand table--participants can see how a watershed works on both a large and small scale. Watersheds are complex systems, and the learning possibilities using this incredible teaching tool are numerous.
The Topographic Model
The removable lid of the Whatcom Explorer is the topographic model, highlighting the mountains and waterways of western Whatcom County. Participants can look for landmarks such as Mount Baker, the Salish Sea, islands, lakes, cities, and more to find how they connect to this landscape--and how the landscape is connected to the flow of water through it.
The Sand Table
Nested within the trailer is the sand table, which models the flow of water through a landscape. It consists of a bed of crushed PVC that can be formed into channels and waterways for the flow of water, which is pumped from a tank underneath the table. Since the crushed PVC is 60% as dense as quartz sand, participants can see the natural processes being demonstrated (such as erosion and deposition) happen at an accelerated rate. This part of the Explorer helps bring the dynamic nature of watersheds to life.
How to Experience
the Explorer
You can find the Whatcom Explorer Mobile Watershed at many conservation-centered events around Whatcom County. If you are a teacher looking to bring this educational experience to your school, you can submit a request and we will make a plan with you! In many instances, we have grant funding to make this free for you and your students.
If you have any questions about the Explorer, please reach out to our Education and Outreach Technician, Adam Brayton, at abrayton@whatcomcd.org or 360-526-2381 x112.
Funded in part by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife,
ALEA Volunteer Cooperative Grant Program.
