Donnelly, Idaho, is a small town surrounded by private ranches and Forest Service property. Through the center of Donnelly runs Boulder Creek, a small tributary feeding into Cascade Lake Reservoir. Boulder Creek originates from a mountain lake north of Donnelly. Since 1994 it has been listed as "impaired" by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for phosphorous loading, high temperatures, low dissolved oxygen, and sedimentation. As a result, many segments of Boulder Creek no longer support any beneficial uses (IDEQ 2009). Because the creek runs behind the school, it is a natural place for students to focus their science study. When the class found out that it was impaired, their studies took on a new level of authentic inquiry as the students sought to assist in monitoring and restoring the creek with the help of local agencies and other partners. This article is an examination of how classrooms, with help from local agencies, can play a role in a restoration effort by collecting data, participating in restoration, and motivating other members of the community to get involved while enriching the science curriculum with an authentic, problem-based approach.