Students explore 'land of extremes' during class trip
Although Death Valley is known for its intense temperatures, the weather was perfect when a group from Citrus College recently spent a weekend exploring its unique ecosystem.
Twenty-four students and two faculty members traveled to the below-sea-level basin on Nov. 3 as part of the college's NAT 180A Natural History Series – Death Valley course. They spent the next three days learning and experiencing the topography, climate, geology, ecology, life zones, wildlife, plant life and human history of the region.
"In addition to in-person lectures on campus, our three-day trip provides field experience to foster an appreciation for our natural resources and to help students make informed decisions regarding land and natural resources use in this type of environment," explained Bobby Goodman, natural, physical and health sciences faculty member. Goodman is also the primary instructor of the wildland resources and forestry program.
During the trip, the group visited key areas and landmarks in the region. These included Badwater Basin, Devils Golf Course, Artist Palette, Zabriskie Point, Dante's View, Devils Cornfield, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, Fossil Falls and Trona Pinnacles.
At the end of the first two days, Goodman and Mercedes Belica, earth sciences faculty member, stayed with the students at Stovepipe Wells Campground.
"Every semester, the students who participate in these natural history excursions have varied degrees of camping experience. In fact, some have never camped before," Goodman said. "Another reason these field trips are important is because they give students who have never had the opportunity to camp in the wild the chance to learn more about hiking, camping and campground etiquette."
According to Goodman, the field trip was a success and the students handled it very well.
"Unfortunately, fewer and fewer colleges are offering classes with these types of opportunities," Goodman said. "The natural history classes would not be what they are today without the support from our administration, transportation, facilities, fellow faculty members and campus safety."
This article originally appeared in the December 2023 edition of the Citrus View.