Teacher Spotlight: Dave Ficke
If I was still teaching, I’d still be taking kids up there.” For high school teacher Dave Ficke, class trips to Yosemite Institute (now NatureBridge Yosemite) were always the highlight of his school year. After 27 years of bringing students from Upland High School to our Yosemite campus and sharing his own enjoyment of nature with them, Dave reflects that his focus as a science teacher “was always getting them out in the environment to see and experience.” The immersive, hands-on approach offered by NatureBridge programs—coupled with the passion and compassion of NatureBridge staff—kept Dave coming back with his students year after year.
For me, it was the excitement that I got to see in the students. Not only while we were there, but all the way through to the end of school. They seemed to take on camaraderie, they bonded together, and they seemed to be a little more heightened aware about environmental issues.Dave Ficke, Retired Upland High School Teacher
Now retired in Lake Arrowhead, CA, Dave recalls many fond memories from his time leading trips to Yosemite Institute (YI). Whether hiking to see the “Snow Cone” at the base of Yosemite Falls, cross-country skiing at Crane Flat or watching the sunrise at Glacier Point, Dave emphasizes the experiential learning he and his students took away with them. “What I enjoyed most was the fact that the kids were able to go to an environment and experience something that is out of their comfort zone and gain a true appreciation for wilderness,” he says.
Dave also remembers the science investigations his students participated in, including water testing above and below the horse bridge on Illiouette Creek. Based on the results of his students’ and other testers’ results, the park service concluded that the presence of the horse bridge was negatively affecting water quality in the lower creek. “While we were doing that study, there must have been 15 park staff walking around with their clipboards,” Dave says. “I really feel good that we were able to give back to the park. I’m a strong believer that research projects shouldn’t be done just by PhDs.”
Most importantly, Dave relates how exceptional the Yosemite Institute staff were and how deeply the experiences stuck with his students. “I’m grateful for the fact that the instructors are passionate and they have a love for kids,” he recalls. “They’re passionate with their instruction; they’re passionate about caring and helping out kids that are struggling a little bit.” Dave also notes how many of his students went on to pursue careers in environmental science or championed advocacy efforts following their experiences in Yosemite. “That gene was already in the students,” Dave remarks, “but YI flipped the switch.”
For the kids to have an opportunity to go to a national treasure and experience a national park with passionate instructors who are knowledgeable about what they know and teach was just awe-inspiring.Dave Ficke, Retired Upland High School Teacher
Thank you, Dave, for partnering with us for over two decades to introduce hundreds of students to the wonder and science of the natural world!
Photos courtesy of Dave Ficke
Stories
Staff Spotlight: Dylan Meek
“I don’t know if I’d have such a keen interest in what I do now” without experiencing NatureBridge programs as a middle schooler, says current NatureBridge staff member Dylan Meek. As a seventh grader, Dylan and her classmates from Southern California attended an environmental science program at Yosemite Institute (known today as NatureBridge Yosemite). That trip represented Dylan’s first visit to a national park and her first exposure to the field of outdoor education. Now on staff as the Lab Steward at NatureBridge Golden Gate, Dylan ensures that the environmental science educators have everything they need “to get the most out of the lab spaces” on campus.
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.