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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAlgalita MemoMEMORANDUM _______________________________________________________________________________ TO: Daniel Fox, City Manager FROM: Tara Reyes, Management Analyst CC: Ryan McLean, Assistant City Manager Anthony Santos, Assistant to the City Manager SUBJECT: Algalita- Environmental Education Services Pilot Program and Decision Package DATE: April 14, 2025 Introduction The Environmental Services Team proposes launching a new environmental education program in partnership with Algalita to supplement the City’s existing student education initiative with Discovery Cube. This program will focus on educating students about plastic pollution, microplastics, and their environmental impacts, expanding beyond the Discovery Cube curriculum, which primarily emphasizes recycling and composting. This proposal comes at a pivotal time, following the passage of SB 54, California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. While SB 54 shifts much of the responsibility for plastic pollution to producers, cities still bear the burden of managing waste collection, recycling programs, and pollution mitigation. Investing in youth education will create a generation that is more receptive to increasingly stringent waste management policies, ultimately reducing the City’s long-term regulatory and operational challenges. Unlike the Discovery Cube program, Algalita’s curriculum incorporates both waste management and water quality education, making direct connections between plastic pollution, stormwater runoff, and environmental health. Algalita’s facility, located adjacent to the San Gabriel River, provides a direct link between Diamond Bar and the Pacific Ocean, reinforcing the importance of local environmental stewardship. Algalita – Environmental Education Services April 14, 2025 Page 2 Background Since 2015, the City has partnered with Discovery Cube to provide environmental education programs for students. This program includes field trips to the Santa Ana location, school assemblies, and take-home resources to reinforce key concepts. The program has been offered to fifth and sixth-grade students in Diamond Bar based public schools. In the 2024-2025 school year, the program was expanded to include third and fourth-grade students, as well as private schools in Diamond Bar. Participation data has shown strong demand for both assemblies and field trips across all eligible grade levels, reaching the student participation goal before the school year ended. However, Discovery Cube’s curriculum does not cover plastics and microplastics, which have become critical environmental issues. With less than 10% of plastic waste being recycled, much of it degrades into harmful microplastics, polluting watersheds and oceans. While SB 54 mandates producer responsibility, cities remain accountable for waste collection and pollution control, necessitating proactive education to foster responsible consumer habits and long-term environmental stewardship. Program Overview The proposed Algalita Environmental Science Field Trip Program will target students in grades 7 and 8 at Diamond Bar public schools during the 2025-2026 school year. This hands-on program will provide students with real-world experience in environmental science, pollution analysis, and problem-solving. Key Educational Components • Microplastic Sand Sampling and Analysis – Students will collect and analyze sand samples for plastic pollution, reinforcing scientific data collection and critical thinking skills. • Watershed Connections – Team exercises identifying sources and sinks of urban environments contributing to ocean pollution through stormwater runoff and waste mismanagement, reinforcing think globally act locally concepts and solutions. • Water Quality Testing and Analysis – A guided kayak excursion to observe marine ecosystems and collect water samples for laboratory analysis. Pilot Program Plan To ensure successful implementation, the City will launch a pilot program with the following components: • Virtual Teacher Orientation – Algalita will host an orientation to help teachers integrate pre- and post-trip lessons into their curriculum. Algalita – Environmental Education Services April 14, 2025 Page 3 • Ongoing Evaluation – The City will track attendance, request teacher feedback, and assess student engagement and comprehension. Educators will provide insights into the program’s impact on student learning and any behavior changes. • Data Collection and Review – The City will compile feedback and performance data to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and determine its long-term feasibility. Financial Impact The Algalita program would be capped at $21,100 and funded through the AB939 account (FUND 250). Additionally, the Safe, Clean Water Education grant program may provide future funding opportunities, separate from the municipal allocations the City is already receiving. The Discovery Cube field trip costs $14 per student for a two-hour visit to the Santa Ana location. This program is typically paired with a pre-trip assembly at a rate of $18 per student, bringing the total cost to $42 per student for three hours of programming (one-hour assembly and two-hour field trip). In comparison, Algalita’s field trips range from $20 to $48 per student, depending on the selected program (see the attached vendor proposal for details). While Algalita’s costs may be slightly higher, they offer greater educational value by providing four to six hours of field-based learning, where students engage in real-world data collection and analysis. These experiences are led by professional scientists next to an accredited research lab. Additionally, the secondary focus on stormwater and watershed connections, aligning with Safe, Clean Water regulations and compliance initiatives. Conclusion The Algalita Environmental Science Program aligns with state environmental goals, the Safe, Clean Water Program, and the City’s Strategic Plan, including: • Strategic Plan Goal 3.2 – Providing access to high-quality community events, classes, and activities for all ages and abilities. • Strategic Plan Goal 3.3 – Promoting responsible solid waste diversion and recycling efforts. • Safe, Clean Water Program Compliance – Public education programs like this qualify as stormwater or urban runoff initiatives, supporting the City’s regulatory obligations. • Economic Development Potential – Strengthening STEM education in public schools enhances the City’s appeal to families seeking high-quality learning opportunities for their children and thus a place to purchase a home. Algalita – Environmental Education Services April 14, 2025 Page 4 By investing in this initiative, the City of Diamond Bar strengthens its commitment to sustainability, compliance with evolving state regulations, and community engagement. This program represents an opportunity to educate and empower future generations, fostering long-term environmental stewardship and responsible waste management practices.