About Local Projects
The Local Projects team is the only non-international branch of EWB. It serves as a reminder that meaningful impact begins at home, emphasizing the importance of supporting the local community as a fundamental aspect of international aid. The team collaborates with communities in the San Luis Obispo area to create lasting, sustainable change.
Currently the team is working on a wind pump restoration project in Nipomo, CA, just 25 minutes south of Cal Poly. The Dana Adobe Windpump Restoration Project aims to restore a vital piece of the Rancho property’s history. The restoration efforts will help bring this landmark back to life, repurposing it to irrigate a planned community garden. To engage visitors further, a smaller working model of the windpump will be created, offering guests a hands-on way to understand its mechanics and functionality. This project will serve as both a historical preservation effort and an educational opportunity, connecting the community to the rich heritage of the Dana Adobe.
Local Projects Updates
Local Projects Timeline
2014
Local Projects Team Founded
The Local Projects Team was founded.
Soil Erosion Project
Local Projects partners with Oak Creek Commons and begins their Soil Erosion Project.
2017
Recognized by EWB USA
Local Projects becomes officially recognized as a EWB USA project team in the winter of 2017, following approval of the Sanitary Restroom Facility Project by CE Corp.
2020-2022
Project Desert Shores Berm Restoration: The Local team partnered with EcoMedia Compass to restore a water berm along the Salton Sea in Desert Shores, CA. However, the project was never completed due to political challenges and environmental factors.
Local team members watch as fellow team member Freddy braves a 30’ climb to check out the windmill head.
2024
Jan - Jun | Design, Build, and Installation: During project meetings, the team discussed design considerations and implementation logistics. Outside of meetings, they spent hours in Cal Poly’s machine shops preparing components of the whiteboard and additional time on-site constructing it at the middle school.
May | New project | Windmill Restoration at DANA Adobe: The team accepts projects with DANA Adobe Cultural Center in Nipomo, CA.
Sep - Dec | Assessment Phase: During the fall quarter, we focused on the assessment phase of the project, researching various aspects of the wind pump through civil, environmental, and mechanical engineering perspectives.
Isabel and Jim (Project Manager and President of DANA Adobe) awaiting crane to lower the windmill.
2015
Project Completion
In Winter Quarter, Local Projects closes their Soil Erosion Project.
Partnership: Camp Natoma
Local Projects begins its partnership in spring with Camp Natoma.
Facility Project
Local Projects begins work on a Sanitary Restroom Facility Project for Camp Natoma during Fall Quarter.
Visit Site Location
Local Projects takes their first site visit in spring to Camp Natoma.
2019
Project Completion: Facility Project
During Spring Quarter, Local Projects finishes design and closes the Sanitary Restroom Facility Project.
Partnership: Jack’s Helping Hand and Equestrian Station Project
Local Projects partners with Jack's Helping Hand in Fall Quarter and begins work on the Equestrian Wash Rack Station Project as part of the their Imagination Park.
2023
Jan - May | Project Search: The team developed and explored relationships in the local San Luis Obispo County to find a new project.
April | Phone Class: During their project search, the Local team collaborated with a retirement community to create a class that helps residents enhance their phone skills and discover new features.
May | New project | Outdoor Whiteboard for One Cool Earth: The Local Project team partnered with OneCoolEarth to deliver an Outdoor Whiteboard which would be used to teach students about sustainability and healthy eating in the outdoor environment at Atascadero Middle School.
Jun - Dec | Assessment and Design Phase: The Local team started gathering community feedback on their vision for the whiteboard and began working on its design.
2025
Jan - Present | Design and Implementation Phase: This Winter Quarter, Local Projects has now transitioned into the implementation stage, where we are actively sourcing materials and beginning the process of fabricating and assembling the necessary components to restore and enhance the windmill.
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