Olympic Alcoa Scholars Session Two in the Backcountry
On Tuesday afternoon, our second session of Olympic Alcoa Scholars returned to Lake Crescent campus after seven exciting days in the backcountry. Met with sunshine, wildlife, and blueberries, the group successfully hiked from Sol Duc River to the Hoh Rainforest to cover about 30 miles in total.
While enjoying the serenity and peaceful beauty of the Olympic backcountry, the group of 10 Scholars spent the time working on their science investigations, learning about the unique biodiversity in the park, discussing ways to mitigate climate change and effectively becoming environmental leaders in the process.
Led by NatureBridge educators Caleb and Justine, their trip began with the rushing beauty of Sol Duc Falls. Though they experienced a torrential downpour their second night at Deer Lake, the group had beautiful weather for the remainder of the trip (giving their gear a chance to fully dry out!)
I was really surprised and proud of myself the day we went over the High Divide. I didn’t think I could do it. But then I got to the top of the ridge and I was like, ‘Holy Crap, I did that!’Alcoa Scholar Abby B., Sewickley, PA
Highlights from the trip include celebrating two birthdays (Abby’s and Jamie’s), seeing three bears, marmots and a coyote, lots of singing (80's classics, Disney, Amy Winehouse, Queen, you name it) and nightly open mic nights around the campsite. The group had some great backcountry culinary successes, including cookies and pancakes. They also hosted a “Master Chef” competition in which the winning group concocted a dinner complete with quinoa, summer sausage and sorel mushrooms.
Though the whole program was full of highlights and great views, many of the Scholars cited the day they reached the High Divide as their favorite day on program. One of their most physically challenging days (complete with a six mile hike and significant elevation gain), the Scholars loved this day because of the amount of wildlife they saw, and the feeling of accomplishment they experienced when they reached the high country of the High Divide and got a glimpse of Mount Olympus.
The Scholars reached the Hoh River trailhead on Tuesday, completing their seven-day journey. Several of the Scholars did a victory lap around the Hall of Mosses Trail, an 0.8 mile loop next to the trailhead with iconic views of big leaf maple trees covered with thick layers of moss and other epiphytes. The group stopped at Rialto Beach on the way home, giving several of the Scholars their first view of the Pacific Ocean. Back on campus, the students de-issued their gear and filled up on some fresh burritos.
On Wednesday, the Scholars collected one last data point at nearby Barnes Creek, went for a paddle in NatureBridge’s 21-person Salish style canoe, and then began synthesizing the data they collected into a presentation that they will give to their peers and NatureBridge staff, encapsulating what they learned from the program. The presentations will take place this evening in NatureBridge’s Storm King Classroom. We can’t wait to watch their presentations, and to see what these Scholars will go on to accomplish as future environmental leaders!
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.