2017 Shenandoah Alcoa Scholars: Trekking the Wilderness
Last Thursday, our 2017 Alcoa Scholars departed homebase and ventured off to explore the wilderness ofShenandoah National Park in Virginia. Led by our NatureBridge educators, our Scholars engaged on a quest of scientific investigation and personal self-discovery for seven days. Tomorrow, Scholars will return from the backpacking trip with their educators, present their findings and share their experience with an audience of peers and invited guests in Washington, D.C.
While we wait to hear back from our Scholars firsthand, here are some cool experiences and interesting encounters they’ve had on their expedition so far.
Black Bear Sighting #
Scholars also had an up-close (and safe!) encounter with an Ursus Americanus, also known as a black bear. Contrary to popular belief, black bears are actually quite timid in nature and aren’t known for their aggressive behavior toward humans. In fact, there have only been 61 human deaths caused by black bears since the year 1900. Students got the opportunity to observe the bear while they were conducting science experiments on trail. The next morning, the campers awoke and found they’d had another member of the family visit their campsite who had left evidence just three feet away from their tent!
Night Hiking in Big Meadows #
Our Scholars were divided into two groups, each one taking its own path this week. One of our groups got the chance to do a night hike in Big Meadows, a campground that is home to white-tailed deer, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels and a variety of birds. The meadow is known for the beautiful changing colors of its night sky. Psyched for the solar eclipse this year? Head to Shenandoah National Park and attend the Night Sky Festival from Friday, August 18 - Monday, August 21. The festival will include constellation tours, solar scope viewing, telescope viewing, Junior Ranger programs, audio-visual presentations, hands-on activities, and of course a viewing of the 2017 Solar Eclipse.
Crossing the Appalachian Trail #
Scholars hiked through the diverse deciduous forest of Shenandoah, going up and down rocky trails for between 4 and 8 miles each day. Their route went through a national scenic path called the Appalachian Trail, a 2,180+ mile-long footpath starting in Central Maine going all the way up to northern Georgia. The Appalachian Trail came to fruition in 1937 after being built by private citizens over a period of 17 years and now serves as one of the most biodiverse recreational trails, passing through 14 states, eight national forests and six national park units. Consider doing the 14 State Challenge and receive a certificate of completion from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Visit our Facebook page later this week to view photos of our 2017 Shenandoah Alcoa Scholars' backpacking expedition! To view photos of the first leg of their trip, click through our photo album.
ABOUT ALCOA SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Alcoa Scholars program, hosted by NatureBridge and Alcoa Foundation, is an immersive, two-week environmental science program that allows high school students to learn and grow in some of the world’s most beautiful protected lands. 55 students from Alcoa communities around the world explore the wonders of the natural world in Yosemite National Park and Shenandoah National Park through backcountry exploration, hands-on science experiments and research, outdoor experiential learning and social emotional learning activities designed to connect Scholars to nature, sustainability, and each other. The Alcoa Scholars converge from different nations and backgrounds to form a community of environmental stewards that will explore environmental issues from a global community's perspective.
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.