“What I am most proud of accomplishing during this program is stepping out of my comfort zone and discovering the hidden gem that is the Salton Sea. This experience pushed me to engage with a region and a community I knew little about, and it opened my eyes to both its challenges and its incredible potential.”
The Salton Sea Leadership Program combines field experiences with leadership training to prepare participants to champion both people and wildlife across the Coachella Valley. Apply for the 2026 cohort HERE.
The inaugural cohort launched this past spring. Over the course of the program, participants immersed themselves in field trips, workshops, and community engagement—each designed to deepen their understanding of the Coachella Valley’s diverse ecology, build advocacy skills, and connect through the joy of birding. Guided by the program’s mission to create a safe and inclusive space for learning and leadership, the inaugural cohort brought creativity, passion, and vision to their work, resulting in capstone projects that highlight the Sea’s cultural history, ecological significance, and the voices of local communities.
Below, discover the SSLP journey: see how the 2025 cohort was challenged and inspired, and what might await you as a 2026 SSLP applicant! Then dive into a selection of featured capstone projects.
2025 Program Highlights
Geology and Water | Water sampling results and regional geology, with a focus on potable water challenges.
After an in-class presentation about water rights and the history of water in the region, cohort participants joined Quinn Montgomery of Loma Linda University and Dr. Ryan Sinclair of Loma Linda University and Alianza Coachella Valley at the Salton Sea, where they conducted hands-on water testing comparing water quality along the shoreline and in the wetlands. Each participant used local water samples to test for nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, and E. Coli. After processing, results showed high levels of fertilizer run-off and nutrient concentrations along the shoreline.
Air Quality | Novel Air Quality Research
Dr. Will Porter of UCR’s Center for Environmental Research and Technology presented novel air quality research, and led the cohort through a DIY Air Filter workshop.
Climate Advocacy and Mental Health | Advocacy, art, storytelling, and tools for navigating climate anxiety:
Cohort participants spent a morning with Tammah Watts grounding themselves in nature, and learning the physical and mental health benefits of birding.
Capstone Spotlights
Vanessa — Agriculture in the Valley (Zine)
Inspired by water-testing results showing polluted flows into the Sea, Vanessa created an educational zine to raise awareness and share actions to reduce pollution. Community members reported learning a lot, and many sent advocacy emails in response.
“That’s when I learned that the little water flowing into the Sea is highly polluted… Seeing the test results myself, I knew I wanted to do something about it.”
Em — Planting Desert Natives (Workshop + Planting Demo)
Em hosted a workshop on Coachella Valley native plants, including original Cahuilla names, and taught how to start a native garden. The session closed with a hands-on planting demo where participants sowed an assortment of seeds.
Joseph — Community Health Survey
Growing up near the Salton Sea, Joseph surveyed residents about air-quality concerns and health. The project elevated community voices and underscored shared concerns about environmental health.
Graduate success: Leveraging skills from SSLP, one recent graduate went on to work as a field biologist in Oregon over the summer!
Join the 2026 Salton Sea Leadership Program
Love birds and the desert? Curious about advocacy and building? You belong here. Applications open for the 2026 program now through November 28th! This opportunity is open to all ages and experience levels (ages 18 and up) and centers the Salton Sea and Coachella Valley through culture, ecology, and community action. Apply today, and learn more HERE.
