Tomales High is a small, rural school serving terrific young people from coastal Marin and Sonoma counties. While living in rural Marin is a dream for many, it has its challenges, like lack of public transportation for health care, shopping and working, expensive housing, lack of well-paying jobs, and lack of access to the kinds of activities that are routine for students in more urban and suburban parts of Marin. In 2018, River Otter Ecology Project began our “Hands on High School” program to support young scientists or youth interested in learning more about science. We wanted to help them learn what science is, how it works, and show them that not only can they do science, but they will have community support in their efforts. That project took on many guises through the years, teaching us as much as we taught the students. It has become a popular staple of the school year, now the Spring Science Symposium featuring both AP Environmental Science students and Physiology students, along with freshman biology whenever possible. Most of the school population attends the Symposium, which gives  students the opportunity not just to present their work in front of a friendly, supportive audience, but to interact with some of our local working scientists, conservationists, and community leaders.

We’re so honored to share our passion for science and conservation with these young people. Local support makes all the difference.

Adopt an Otter

You can help your wetlands and watersheds by adopting an otter, an otter family, or a whole otter habitat! When you choose one of the following adoption packages you will receive a personalized certificate as well as the otter goodies listed in each package description.

Package 1:
Adopt a River Otter

$50

Includes:

• A personalized Adoption Certificate
• An Advice from an Otter bookmark
• An otter decal
• And a letter of Recognition (not pictured)

Donate

Package 2:
Adopt an Otter Family

$95

Includes:

• A personalized Adoption Certificate
• An Advice from an Otter bookmark
• An otter decal
• A "Little Otter" children's book
• An otter finger puppet
• And a letter of Recognition (not pictured)

Donate

Package 3:
Adopt an Otter Habitat

$150

Includes:

• A personalized Adoption Certificate
• An Advice from an Otter bookmark
• An otter decal
• A "Little Otter" children's book
• An otter finger puppet
• A set of six otter note cards with envelopes
• An official River Otter Ecology baseball cap
• And a letter of Recognition (not pictured)

Donate

Make a Tribute Gift

A tribute donation to the River Otter Research Project is a thoughtful way to honor a loved one or friend in memorial, or for a special occasion like a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or holiday.

For more information or to make a Tribute Gift, contact us.

Make a Planned Gift

Perpetuate your love of otters, the environment and the River Otter Ecology Project beyond your lifetime. By making a planned gift through your will or estate plan, you can create a personal legacy that will have a strong and lasting impact into the future.

Please consider one of the following options for legacy giving and then contact our office by phone (415-342-7956) to discuss any questions or concerns.

BEQUESTS IN YOUR WILL OR TRUST

It’s easy to affirm your commitment to otters and watershed conservation by including the River Otter Ecology Project in your will or trust. A bequest is a statement in your will that provides charitable funding for the River Otter Ecology Project after your death.

Suggested Bequest Language:
“I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to River Otter Ecology Project, Forest Knolls, CA [the sum of $_______] OR [___ percent of all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate] to be used by the River Otter Ecology Project in support of its mission of otter research and watershed conservation.”

RETIREMENT PLANS

A portion or all of the balances in your IRAs, 401Ks, and other retirement savings plans can be donated to the River Otter Ecology Project.

LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES

The River Otter Ecology Project can be named as a whole or partial beneficiary under life insurance policies.

For more information or to make a Planned Gift, contact us.