Sierra College Biology Department

Sierra College Field Studies Program

Biological Sciences' Field Studies Program

Student Letters and Comments

Charlotte's

Bio. Sci. 16P – Death Valley and Desert Ecosystems, April 4-10, 2004

This field trip meant several things to me. First of all, this was my first trip to the Death Valley area, and the field trip provided day-to-day guidance and transportation to the important highlights of the area. I was given detailed botanical, geological, environmental, and general biological information about each stop on the itinerary, as well as some freedom to explore on my own, depending on time constraints. Because my highest interest before the trip was plants in general and flowers in particular, I was delighted that our instructor is a botanist. As a bonus, his wife shared her knowledge of microbiology/ birds/ lizards/snakes/fish. Needless to say, my interests have broadened a great deal.

Secondly, I was impressed by the level of cooperation between the students on the trip, who ranged in age from 19 to 70 something. It did not take long for each of us to realize that cooperation would make or break this trip, and each person came through with flying colors. Where the younger students excelled, they helped the older students; and visa versa. The drivers and instructor, also, put forth 150 percent to make all the participants as comfortable as possible. This experience re-affirmed my faith in human nature and in those who will be guiding our world in the future.

Thirdly, I now have a new appreciation of the environmental extremes that exist within just one region of California/Nevada. I also have a new appreciation of the various forms of adaptations flora and fauna accomplish in order to survive and even thrive in these extremes. The geological changes that have taken place since before the ice age are absolutely awesome, and I am thankful for my new understanding of them.

Those places that impressed me the most are the Red Rock Canyon, Mosaic Canyon, Ubehebe Crater, and most of all Mono Lake.

This seven-day field trip seemed like, perhaps, three days. I’m thankful for each and every note I took, and wish I had taken many more. The new knowledge, new acquaintances, and new experiences truly stimulated me; so that I felt energized the day after we returned, rather than exhausted as I had expected when we started out. For a 68-year old crone, that is a delightful end to this experience. My only comment is to say “Thank you”.

Charlotte