Where education meets conservation.
Inspiring the next generation to protect Oak Creek and Arizona’s wild waters.
OUR MISSION:
OCEAN connects community and our youth to Oak Creek through hands-on education and research — inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
OUR STORY:
Founded on the banks of Oak Creek, OCEAN was created to connect people with the ecosystems that sustain Sedona’s natural beauty. What began as a small, community-based effort has grown into a movement for education, stewardship, and environmental awareness across Arizona.
Oak Creek Environmental
Awareness Network
OCEAN
About OCEAN
The Oak Creek Environmental Awareness Network Inc. (OCEAN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the ecological health of Oak Creek through science-based education, field research, and community engagement. Based in Sedona, Arizona, OCEAN delivers immersive environmental learning experiences that combine classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork. Our programs are designed to foster environmental literacy, stewardship, and long-term conservation of Arizona’s waterways.
Education in Action
OCEAN’s educational programs blend classroom curriculum and creekside exploration to teach environmental science, ecology, and conservation skills all in alignment with Arizona Educational Standards.
Stream Ecology
Follow Oak Creek’s flow to uncover the systems that sustain clean water and diverse aquatic life.
3 Hour Course
Trout Biology
Explore trout anatomy, behavior, and adaptations that make these fish vital to Oak Creek’s ecosystem.
3 Hour Course
Hatchery Science
Learn how trout are raised and released into Arizona’s waters through hands-on hatchery and conservation science.
3 Hour Course
Riparian Forestry & Restoration
Discover the lush intersection of land and water and the native plants that protect Oak Creek’s banks.
3 Hour Course
Arizona's Native Species
​
Journey through Arizona’s mountain waters to learn about its rare native trout and ongoing conservation efforts.
3 Hour Course
Entomology in Fly Fishing
​
Meet the insects that tell the story of stream health — and inspire the art of fly fishing.
3 Hour Course
Learning Outcomes
Explore: Discover the science of streams, riparian zones, and native species.
Analyze: Conduct water quality testing, habitat assessments, and species ID.
Understand: Learn the connections between ecology, sustainability, and human impact.
Protect: Develop stewardship skills to care for Oak Creek and Arizona’s waters.
Protect What Makes Oak Creek Unique
-
One of fewer than 90 perennial streams in all of Arizona
​
-
A rare cold-water trout stream in the high desert environment
​
-
Home to more than 150 species of fish, birds, mammals, and invertebrates
​
-
Riparian habitats support up to 10× more biodiversity than surrounding uplands
​
-
Over 3.5 million people visit the Oak Creek/Sedona area each year
Key Facts
Oak Creek is one of Arizona’s last perennial, spring-fed streams, supporting rare habitats, trout populations, and critical biodiversity.
Follow Our Journey
Our website is currently under development. To receive updates on programs, events, and partnership opportunities, please join our mailing list.