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was divided into four components: |
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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. |
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Hydrology: |
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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. |
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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. |
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Geology and Rock Climbing: |
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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. |
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“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
or contact Peter Mayfield - pmayfield@onebox.com or (530) 205-6245