Rising Waters is a collaboration with Sonoma State University (SSU), RRWA, Sonoma Water, and the City of Santa Rosa that aims to connect watershed sustainability practitioners with academic research. Since 2020, this program has investigated the connection between water quality and the unhoused community. This gives practitioners updated and accurate information that can positively impact their programs and practices. This project also offers different outreach events, such as a naturalist education series, landscaping for climate change, and guided hikes. Rising Waters has also funded the Restoration of Copeland Creek, which simultaneously increased biodiversity along the creek and provided SSU students with hands on experience. Through this program, students have been able to conduct research projects as detailed below.
Student Projects
Water Quality Monitoring
This project analyzed water quality near areas of unhoused activity on Santa Rosa Creek and Russell Creek.
Public Relations Strategy
The overall goal of this Communications Plan was to develop messaging that would help demystify the misconceptions surrounding unhoused individuals while addressing the environmental concerns associated with this humanitarian crisis.
Resource Identification
This team sought to survey water sources and public facilities that are accessible to the public, and interview community organizations that promote environmental preservation and provide outreach services for the homeless.
Swales
This group investigated swales and recommended them to be adopted countywide for storm water management.
Mobile Sanitation Stations
This team advocated for the implementation of mobile sanitation stations, to better improve water quality and access for unhoused people.
Presentations
2026 Steering Committee:
Alisa Keenan, Senior Environmental Specialist, Permit Sonoma
Andy Rodgers, Executive Director, Russian River Watershed Association
John Mack, Natural Resources Division Manager, Permit Sonoma
Kelsey Cody, Senior Environmental Scientist, North Coast Regional Water Board
Matt St. John, Environmental Program Manager, North Coast Regional Water Board
Mike Thompson, Russian River Confluence, and Former Assistant General Manager, Sonoma Water
Ryan Pedrotti, Community and Employee Engagement Manager, Sonoma Water
Sean McNeil, Deputy Director of Environmental Services, City of Santa Rosa
Special Thanks to the 2020-2025 Steering Committee:
Ryan Pedrotti, Community and Employee Engagement Manager, Sonoma Water
Andy Rodgers, Executive Director, Russian River Watershed Association
Emily Quig, Homeless Services Coordinator, City of Rohnert Park
Lynea Seiberlich-Wheeler, Associate Director of Behavioral Health, West County Health Centers
Sean McNeil, Deputy Director of Environmental Services, City of Santa Rosa
Matt St. John, Environmental Program Manager, North Coast Regional Water Board
Ludmilla Bade, Statewide Advocate for Homeless Individuals
