Headwaters Science Institute

Headwaters Science Institute We are a science education non-profit specializing in creating engaging scientific research programs

Our programs create opportunities for students to make their own scientific inquiries and pursue answers through authentic field experiences. We make use of an inspiring and engaging field setting to give students a hands-on scientific experience. Students participate in everything from developing questions and experiments to analyzing evidence, to collecting data as part of long-term studies, to

identifying the role of history in ecology. We aim to provide memorable, meaningful experiences that have lasting impacts on students beyond the programs themselves. Our goal is that this empowers students to think critically, to feel ownership of their learning, to feel engaged with science, and to open doors for students who believe that science is too boring or intimidating to consider careers in science. As an organization, we are committed to providing these experiences and understandings, not just to those who can afford these trips, but to all students, We hope to show students that science does not just happen in a lab and is not only done by people holding advanced degrees; it is fun, exciting, and omnipresent.

We’ve officially wrapped up our 2026 Bay Area summer camps, and what a great summer it was!We closed out the season with...
08/21/2026

We’ve officially wrapped up our 2026 Bay Area summer camps, and what a great summer it was!

We closed out the season with our second session of East Bay Camp, where campers explored the theme of water. Our three research groups spent the week investigating the creeks and lakes throughout Tilden Regional Park, conducting field research for their projects!

Campers also enjoyed visits to the Little Farm, the Environmental Education Center, and Lake Anza Beach.

Help us spark curiosity this fall! Our annual Back to School Fundraiser runs September 8–20, and we’re inviting you to h...
08/19/2026

Help us spark curiosity this fall! Our annual Back to School Fundraiser runs September 8–20, and we’re inviting you to help us bring more hands-on science experiences to students.

As part of the fundraiser, join us for a special screening of Wonders of the Wolf on September 11, followed by a Live Q&A with Director Angie Ruiz on September 15 at 6 PM.

Learn More: https://linktr.ee/headwaterssi

Want to make a bigger impact? You can also make a pledge and spread your donation out over time with a payment schedule that works for you. To make a pledge, email [email protected] and we’ll get you set up!

Every gift helps us give students the opportunity to explore, ask questions, and discover the science all around them.

Save the dates and join us!

Join us for an exclusive virtual screening of the award-winning documentary Wonders of the Wolf on September 11!Journey ...
08/10/2026

Join us for an exclusive virtual screening of the award-winning documentary Wonders of the Wolf on September 11!

Journey to Yellowstone National Park and explore the remarkable story of the 1995 reintroduction of wolves and one of the most successful conservation efforts in modern history. Through the eyes of the biologists who study them, the film reveals how innovative science is helping researchers understand wolf communication, support coexistence, and protect these incredible animals for generations to come.

Wonders of the Wolf has earned Best Central Coast Documentary Short at the 2025 San Luis Obispo International Film Festival and Best Documentary at the 2025 Idyllwild International Film Festival. The film has only been available to audiences through select film festival screenings, making this a special opportunity to experience it from home.

Then, on September 15 at 6:00 PM PST / 9:00 PM EST, join us on YouTube for an exclusive live Q&A with director Angie Ruiz, an award-winning filmmaker and wildlife advocate with firsthand experience observing wolves in Yellowstone.

Registration is limited! We have a limited number of screening licenses available, so be sure to reserve your spot.

https://givebutter.com/wonders-of-the-wolf-screening-event-cqurho

08/05/2026

Join us as this Summer’s Research Experience students present their scientific research!

Students will present their research
Mentors and attendees will have a chance to ask students questions
Everyone will get to hear more about and celebrate the fantastic work these students did over the past couple of months

All of these students worked extremely hard and should be very proud of all they’ve accomplished. Their topics were interesting and they asked novel questions about the world around them, and designed some incredible projects. This group of students have worked tirelessly this summer to present some stellar projects! We hope you will join us as we celebrate all their hard work!

We had an incredible start to our Lakeside Chats Speaker Series last week! After our Summer Science Camp students shared...
07/29/2026

We had an incredible start to our Lakeside Chats Speaker Series last week! After our Summer Science Camp students shared their discoveries, Michael from the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) gave us a fascinating look at the science behind Lake Tahoe and the research helping protect our region’s precious water resources.

And the series isn’t over yet! Join us at Serene Lakes Lot 1 Beach following our camper presentations for more fascinating conversations with experts studying the world around us.

Thursday, July 30
Discover the incredible diversity of local plants and wildflowers and the important role they play in healthy mountain ecosystems.

Friday, August 7
Tahoe Bear Specialist Alexia from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will share fascinating insights into bear ecology, behavior, conservation, and how we can safely coexist with wildlife.

Serene Lakes Lot 1 Beach
Approximately 3:30–4:15 PM
Free and open to campers, families & the entire community!
Light refreshments provided.

Come hear what our young scientists have discovered and stick around to learn from the experts! We hope to see you there. Serene Lakes Property Owners Association

Our Lakeside Chats Speaker Series kicks off this week!After our young scientists share what they've discovered during He...
07/20/2026

Our Lakeside Chats Speaker Series kicks off this week!

After our young scientists share what they've discovered during Headwaters Science Institute's Summer Science Camps, stick around for an inspiring talk from local experts studying the natural world around us.

Location: Serene Lakes Lot 1 Beach
Time: Approximately 3:30–4:15 PM (following camper presentations)

Speaker Schedule:
Friday, July 24
Michael from UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) will explore the science of Lake Tahoe and the research helping protect our region's precious water resources.

Thursday, July 30
Learn about the incredible diversity of local plants and wildflowers and the important role they play in healthy mountain ecosystems.

Friday, August 7
Tahoe Bear Specialist Alexia from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will share fascinating insights into bear ecology, behavior, conservation, and how we can safely coexist with wildlife.

These free talks are open to campers, families, and the entire community. Light refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!

A huge thank you to  for generously donating seeds and soil for our Truckee Week 1 Camp! Our campers are excited to get ...
07/16/2026

A huge thank you to for generously donating seeds and soil for our Truckee Week 1 Camp! Our campers are excited to get their hands dirty, learn about gardening, and connect with nature thanks to your support.

Want to learn more from the experts? Join us for our Serene Lakeside Chats Speaker Series featuring Eric Larusson, Owner and Operator of Villager Nursery!

July 30| Approximately 3:45 PM
Serene Lakes Lot 1 Beach
Refreshments provided

Eric will share his knowledge of high-Sierra gardening, native plants, and creating thriving mountain landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you won't want to miss this informative and inspiring talk!

Thank you again, Villager Nursery, for investing in our campers and helping cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards.

Ever wonder what Tahoe's bears are really doing when we're not looking?Join us on Friday, August 7 for a Lakeside Chat w...
07/15/2026

Ever wonder what Tahoe's bears are really doing when we're not looking?

Join us on Friday, August 7 for a Lakeside Chat with Alexia, Tahoe Bear Specialist for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Learn about bear behavior, conservation efforts, and how we can safely coexist with wildlife in the Tahoe Basin.
August 7 | 3:45 PM
Serene Lakes Lot 1 Beach
Refreshments provided

This free community event is open to campers, families, and anyone interested in Tahoe's incredible wildlife.

What can wildflowers teach us about the ecosystems around us?Join us on Thursday, July 30 for a special Lakeside Chat fo...
07/07/2026

What can wildflowers teach us about the ecosystems around us?

Join us on Thursday, July 30 for a special Lakeside Chat focused on plants and wildflowers with local expert Eric Larusson from the Villager Nursery.

July 30
Approximately 3:45 PM
Serene Lakes Lot 1 Beach
Refreshments provided

Whether you're a gardener, hiker, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the plants that make the Sierra Nevada unique, we hope you'll join us for an afternoon of learning by the lake.

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Soda Springs, CA
95728

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