2017 Yosemite Alcoa Scholars: Backpacking in Yosemite
After spending the first half of the week in Crane Flat, our Alcoa Scholars headed to the backcountry of Yosemite to explore the wilderness. The 39 Scholars were broken up into three smaller “trail groups” who they’d be camping with for the six-day backpacking trip. Each group headed into a different portion of the vast park, getting the opportunity to see a unique feature of Yosemite. Read on to learn about each trail route and its respective explorers!
TRAIL GROUP 1 – Yosemite Creek to Tenaya Canyon #
NatureBridge Educators: Jenn & Avi
Scholars: Emily, Holly, Dayna, Bethanie, Nora, Ashlyn, Ozike, Xana, James, Alexi, Zalan, Dadi and Daniel
Jenn & Avi’s trail group started hiking downhill along Yosemite Creek, making their way to Yosemite Falls. Once there, the group camped above the falls where they had access to majestic views of the valley and high country. The group then passed North Dome, going past the Yosemite Valley and Indian Ridge, finishing up along the Snow Creek Switchbacks and Tenaya Canyon.
TRAIL GROUP 2 – Little Yosemite Valley to Backside of Half Dome #
NatureBridge Educators: Natasha & Lawrence
Scholars: Jordenne, Emma, Aoife-Ruby, Luca, Alvilde, Aida, Megane, Reegan, Riley, Thomas, Giovanni, David and Bjorgvin
Scholars in Natasha & Lawrence’s group started in Little Yosemite Valley, following along the Merced River and then going up the John Muir Trail to the backside of Half Dome. This trail group will have the opportunity to observe and explore burn areas from the 2013 Rim Fire, which burned 257,314 acres and lasted almost one year.
TRAIL GROUP 3 – Tuolumne Meadows to Clouds Rest #
NatureBridge Educators: Haley & Janaki
Scholars: Esther, Kaitlin, Nyah, Fatima, Virginie, Elvira, Andrea, Sara, Thomas, Scott, David, Adam and Daniel
The third trail group, led by Haley and Janaki, started in Tuolumne Meadows, hiking along the John Muir Trail through the High Sierra camp and into Yosemite Valley. The group took a day trip into Clouds Rest, a mountain whose proximity to the valley gives an impression of breathtaking elevation.
Tomorrow, our Scholars return from their backpacking expeditions. Stay tuned for our wrap-up blog and photos of their journey!
To view more pictures of what our Scholars have been up to, make sure to follow our Facebook page!
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.