The Utom Conservation Fund has awarded $60,000 in scholarships and fellowships to students focused on conserving the Santa Clara River, also called Utom. Five undergraduate students received $2,000 each, while four graduate students received $12,500 each. The river, named Utom by the Chumash people, flows from northern Los Angeles County to Ventura County and supports over 110 special-status species.
Mati Waiya of the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation emphasized the importance of investing in future environmental protectors, especially amid climate change and drought. Peter Galvin from the Center for Biological Diversity highlighted the urgency of conserving the river. Fellowship recipients include students from UC Berkeley and Cal State Polytechnic University, focusing on research related to the watershed.
The scholarships and fellowships aim to empower students dedicated to preserving the Utom River’s ecosystem, supported by various organizations, including the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. The fund was established with settlement money aimed at protecting the watershed.
