FYI - Donner Summit Place-Based Education Program Launched!

This June, the GateWay Mountain Center played host to the entire freshman class of Lick Wilmerding High

School from San Francisco. Over the course of four days, 130 students explored the natural and human history of the Donner Summit region guided by expert local naturalists . All activities were conducted on foot from our basecamp at the Sierra Club’s Clair Tappaan Lodge. For this program, Gateway Mountain Center developed hands-on place-based field science curriculum in forest ecology and riparian habitats to add to it's existing history, geology, ecology and adventure program.

The course was divided into four components:

Forest Ecology: The students spent half a day with Dr. Don Harkin, retired forestry professor from Yale, conducting a forest habitat survey. Each hiking group surveyed a transect in the diverse forest behind Clair Tappaan Lodge and learned to measure tree height and girth, determine crown ratios, and identify species. The students learned how to view the forest from a variety of perspectives, depending on whether one is seeking information on possible timber yield, fire hazard potential, or habitat health.

Hydrology:

The students visited the University of California Snow Science Lab where director Dr. Randall Osterhuber gave a compelling lesson. The snow science lab has the longest historical climatological record of any site in North America and is a vital center for climate change data. The students learned the importance of the Sierra snow pack and it's influence on California’s agriculture, drinking water, hydro-power, and eco-systems. After learning some of the specific history of Castle Creek, which runs through the lab property, the hiking groups then proceeded down the creek to Van Norden meadow onto the land of Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Area. There they conducted a streamside bio-assessment, collecting, identifying and counting the aquatic macro-invertebrates that are indicator species for pollution and disturbances. The students also learned and practiced the techniques to calculate the stream flow volume. The day was completed with a walk around beautiful Lake Van Norden, with instruction given about the natural history of the meadow.

Human History: The students walked back in time as they passed through Tunnel 6 (infamous as the most difficult to complete section of the entire trans-continental railroad) – to the craggy gap that the emigrant Stevens and Donner parties struggled through with their wagons – down to some of the oldest petroglyphs found in the Sierra. Along the way the students shared readings describing the Chinese rail worker experience, harrowing stories from the emigrant pioneers, and tales of initiation from California’s Native American tribes. Each student participated in a creative writing assignment describing a “day in the life” from one of the periods studied.

Geology and Rock Climbing:

The students spent a half day challenging themselves on the spectacular cliffs of Donner Summit. After practicing the climbing safety system, they belayed each other as they climbed. The rest of the day was spent exploring the unique granite and volcanic formations of the area and learning how to read the geologic history of the Sierra through the study of the many types of rock found on Donner Summit and its environs.

Framing each learning activity were spectacular hikes filled with wildflowers, majestic old growth trees and expansive views.

Feedback on the program was overwhelmingly positive:

“Your outdoor education program has broadened my perspective on the natural world, its history, and my role for its future.” Kelly – senior student leader

"I thought it was a fantastic program. My guide was extraordinary --- brilliant, enthusiastic, energetic. The snow lab visit was great, the history hike through the tunnels was fascinating, the night hike was wonderful, and the stream measurement exercise was very effective. Overall, I think this was a terrific success for the pilot year." Mike McGarry - math teacher

“There wasn’t anyone who didn’t come back with an altered point of view toward our impact and place in this environment.” Miki –senior student leader

“My immediate question: can we secure you, your colleagues and Clair Tappan for our 2008 Freshman Enrichment Block? From all I have observed and heard, this year's experience was really a home run for kids, seniors and faculty, alike. We are eager to keep it going!” Dr. Al Adams – Headmaster

For more information go to: sierraexperience.org
or contact Peter Mayfield - pmayfield@onebox.com or (530) 205-6245