Water Scarcity
How might we ensure access to clean water and produce for generations to come?
Why Southern California?
California is running out of water. The Colorado River is getting weaker and the drought in the State, and less annual rains, mean that the situation is only getting worse. And despite the severity of the growing crisis, Los Angeles continues to use more water than ever before, and across the country we all continue to eat salads mostly grown in the region .
Starting in the deserts and farmlands along the Colorado River and working our way back up into Los Angeles, we will explore how water has shaped growth in the state. We will then look at how these systems are changing every year. What does sustainable water look like? How can we better use the water we have? How can we ensure or preserve enough water in the future?
INSIGHTS + PROJECTS
On every Atlas Workshops program, the group works on an inquiry with real-world implications. Through intentional exploration, engagement with locals and experts, and team activities, students generate new insights and ideas about the topics, places, and global issues they’re investigating.
For some groups, the program incorporates a more extensive project—an opportunity to apply our learning and stretch our creative thinking by making something tangible or public.
We work to share the ideas and inspiration we find in the world, with the world, through collaborative initiatives and student expression. We can also work with you to develop a custom project or publish students’ insights via exhibition, photography, digital or print media, or other format.
Suggested Itinerary
This program typically takes place over one week around Southern California’s deserts and cities.
Along the Colorado River: 3-4 Nights
Imperial Valley, CA
After arriving in LA or San Diego, we will head inland to California’s Imperial Valley to explore the Colorado River and the agricultural area this water makes possible. In the towns of Calexico and El Centro we will meet with local farmers, canoe on the river itself, and learn about the impressive irrigation systems and history, including the environmental history of the fascinating and mysterious Salton Sea, and the epic Sand Dunes in the area.
Watering the Desert: 1-3 Nights
Palm Desert and Springs, CA
Continue North to the Palm Desert area and the Coachella Valley. Explore the nearby river infrastructure and the the Colorado River Aqueduct System. Venture up into Joshua Tree National Park to visit a nearby desert oasis and learn about the connection to indigenous history, water, and desert ecology. Meanwhile we will make sense of the enormous water usage in the desert playground of Palm Springs.
City Without Water: 3-5 Nights
Los Angeles, CA
In Los Angeles we will explore the urban water usage and water systems that make this city possible. From the aqueducts to the preservation work in the LA river, water has shaped and continues to define Los Angeles. Learn from environmental non-profits and local governments battling to plan for a future with less water, and work on our own projects too.
Want to Learn More?
Custom Programs & Modifications
We have designed this itinerary to maximize the value and breadth of our project and program. We can modify any program, or we can plan an entirely custom program. This itinerary could be adapted to focus on more specific learning outcomes, visit different regions, hit a different price point, combine with another program, or cover a longer or shorter schedule based on the group’s needs.
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You can also check out other programs in California, request a custom program, or explore other related programs here:
