About Nic Russo

Nic is a former high school science teacher, now serving as the state coordinator for Project WET and contributing to the planning and execution of the Water Education Foundation’s other in-person programming, including tours, conferences, and special events. With Project WET, Nic collaborates closely with a network of dedicated workshop facilitators to deliver dynamic, hands-on professional development opportunities for K–12 educators throughout California.

Before joining the Water Education Foundation in 2025, Nic spent more than 13 years as a high school science teacher and four additional years in outdoor and environmental education. His experience includes serving as an environmental educator in Yosemite National Park and later as the education Manager for the American River Conservancy, a land trust based in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Nic holds a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a California Professional Clear Credential in Life and Earth Sciences.

Outside of his professional work, Nic is an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants, and the Sacramento Republic Football Club. He also enjoys drinking good beer and whiskey, and exploring the outdoors—particularly mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and camping throughout the western United States.

About the Water Education Foundation

The mission of the Water Education Foundation, an impartial, nonprofit organization, is to create a better understanding of water resources and foster public understanding and resolution of water resource issues through facilitation, education and outreach.

The history of the Water Education Foundation dates back to 1977, when California was in the second year of a major drought and water was at the forefront of the news. The Foundation’s articles of incorporation were filed on Feb. 27 of that year, creating a nonprofit, nonpolitical, tax-exempt educational organization. Today, the Sacramento-based Foundation remains a vital source of nonpartisan, in-depth information about water resource issues in California and the West. Taking a steady pulse of the water world, the Foundation provides a vast repertoire of educational materials, products and services including water tours, lectures, a bimonthly magazine and Project WET.

Learn more about Foundation events, tours, water news and other items on social media via Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.