Stories from the Field

As we kick off our sixth season of the Alcoa Scholars program, we hear from 2015 program alum Karly Lent. Four years after embarking on her trip, the experience still has an impact.

A by-the-numbers look at the 30 Alcoa Scholars participants backpacking through Olympic National Park this summer.

This spring, WildLink hosted 39 participants, spent nine nights in the Wilderness, removed and cleaned up countless fire rings, met three NPS Wilderness Rangers and worked with six NatureBridge educators.

Each summer, two NatureBridge educators lead a group of young women on a 12-day backpacking adventure in Yosemite's High Sierra. This year marks the 20th season of Armstrong Scholars and we’re thrilled to introduce our 2019 program leaders: Yosemite Educator Lizzie Hoerauf and Golden Gate Educator Melissa Gayle!

In this week's Lessons From the Field, NatureBridge Operations Manager Jenn Peach takes us through the Happy Isles Fen—a rare example of a fen ecosystem in the Yosemite Valley.

For all those up for the adventure, backpacking is an incredibly rewarding experience. If you're eager to hit the trails and sleep under stars but don't yet have all the experience, consider this helpful guide.