 |
|
 |
|
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND LEARNING ADVENTURE
|
|
|
|
Students will travel to
Santa Cruz Island with WOLF
and Island Packers to stay at the UC research station.
Santa Cruz island is the ideal location for examination of a
pristine and remote eco-system. Island
diversity allows for rare observation of the Island Fox, golden eagles,
the Island Jay, and a variety of flora found nowhere else in the world.
Beyond the unique flora and fauna, Santa Cruz Island has a varied
geology, telling a tale of the island's formation.
Students are able to walk the island picking up specimens of all
categories of rocks and at the same time view metamorphic and igneous
mountains. |
|
The first day the students
will be dropped off at the UC landing site where their luggage is
transported by truck to the campsite.
In trail groups they will then spend the day hiking to the site,
giving them a sense of remoteness as well as an extensive view of the
island. While natural
history will be the emphasis of this hike, teambuilding will be
incorporated. |
|
|
|
Once they arrive at the
campsite, they will set up camp and prepare for dinner.
The site has indoor plumbing, running water, a full kitchen, and
showers. Each night they
will explore the night sky, nocturnal wildlife, and their own senses. |
|
| The next three days will be spent exploring the interior of the island
learning about the flora, fauna, geology, and riparian ecology. In their trail groups and in rotations, students will have a
hands- on look at the formation of the Channel Islands and their
diversity. They will discuss Darwin's theories of evolution and development.
In addition to the field science courses, students will be able
to hike and swim in natural swimming holes, adding an element of
adventure to the trip. |
 |
|
 |
On the morning of the last day, we will pack up gear and
hike to the launching site, to catch our boat to Scorpion harbor. Island
Packers will take us to this new site, where we will learn the basics of
sea kayaking. We will spend the morning and early afternoon sea kayaking
and snorkeling in the caves and rocks just off shore exploring the rich
life of the ocean surrounding Santa Cruz Island.
Seals often come up to the students' boats while beautiful fish,
urchins, and crabs show off their colors and grace from under the
surface.
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
