State of the San Lorenzo River Symposium

Next date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM

The public is invited to join scientists and policymakers for the State of the San Lorenzo River Symposium on April 11, 2026, at the London Nelson Community Center. This free event, themed “The Confluence of Science, Policy and Action,” aims to bridge the gap between environmental research and community stewardship.

The symposium is a collaborative effort hosted by the Coastal Watershed Council, the City of Santa Cruz Water Department, the County of Santa Cruz, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, and the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County.

This year’s program will feature a keynote address by State Senator John Laird, who will join a distinguished panel of local experts to explore the complex history and future of the San Lorenzo River Watershed.

Event Highlights

• Expert Presentations: Topics include California environmental policies, the history of the Awaswas village (Aulintak), Santa Cruz County Regional Conservation Investment Strategy, and the state of the San Lorenzo Steelhead Fishery
• Ecological Briefings: Vital updates on the invasive shothole borer, watershed forest health, status of the Foothill yellow-legged frog in the watershed
• Guided River Tour: Following the morning sessions, attendees are invited to a hands-on river tour from 1-2 p.m.

Speakers

• State Senator John Laird
• Laurie Egan, Executive Director – Coastal Watershed Council
• Martin Rizzo-Martinez, Associate Professor in Film and Digital Media – UC Santa Cruz
• Bryan Mori, Wildlife Biologist – Biological Consulting Services
• Brian Woodward, Regional Forest Advisor for Santa Cruz Mountains – UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Jodi McGraw, Principal Ecologist – Jodi McGraw Consulting
• Kelli Camara, Consulting Technical Director – Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County
• Sean Cochran, Environmental Scientist – CA Department of Fish and Wildlife

Event Details

• Date: April 11, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m
  • Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
  • River Tour: 1-2 p.m.
• Location: London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz.
• Free event.
• Refreshments provided.
• Attendees are encouraged to bike or use public transit.

When

Location

London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St., 95060, View Map