The National Environmental Science Center at Yosemite
Construction is underway on NatureBridge's new Henness Ridge campus -- the National Environmental Science Center at Yosemite (NESC). When complete, the first phase of construction will allow us to open the doors to the first 50+ beds.
The center integrates the latest design and energy efficiency concepts to provide a model of sustainability that, with 100% universal access, will allow all participants to interface with the next level of experiential education. From stunning buildings to the backdrop of Yosemite National Park, our state-of-the-art campus will provide the space, tools, and technology for participants to create new educational benchmarks. We are thrilled to share in this adventure with NatureBridge participants as we gear up to explore trails and discover this historically and ecologically rich area of Yosemite!
Staying at the NESC
The buildings and grounds of the new campus are designed to be the ideal location for a residential environmental education for youth groups.
- Cabins: Designed to change access and configuration to optimize lodging accommodations for participants.
- Bath House: Equipped to accommodate 112 people; The two sides are separated by males and females, each with their own low flow shower heads and a gray water collection system.
- Dining: Family-style meals are served in the dining hall. Meals are prepared by NatureBridge culinary staff.
- Universal Accessibility: Buildings and pathways around the campus have been designed to accommodate people with varying mobilities.
- Architecture as education: designed to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard. As part of the design there are a number of features that will reduce the energy needed on campus and will limit the need for fossil fuel consumption for such things as meal preparation and power generation.
Training and Teaching Destinations
The trail system at NESC allows NatureBridge participants access to numerous teaching spots--forest study plots, nine distinct Sierra Nevada habitats, breath-taking views of the South Fork Merced River watershed, a former homestead, and a historic National Park Service fire tower.
There are three main routes departing from campus, connecting NatureBridge participants directly to miles of established trails and the Yosemite Wilderness and Sierra National Forest.
- Wawona Wagon Road established in 1853 accesses a variety of habitats, including a lush meadow system and evidence spanning nearly 6,000 years of human history.
- Sugar Pine Railroad Line, dating back to the early 1900s, passes through the heart of the campus. Today these historic roads serve as wonderful paths with easy 2% - 5% grades; Connecting to seldom visited corners of the park.
- Deer Camp Trailhead is located less than a quarter mile from campus and allows participants to access some of the less frequented southern reaches of Yosemite’s Wilderness.
New Learning Opportunities
The Henness Ridge campus promises fresh learning opportunities for students to engage in authentic, place-based learning. These activities include:
- Studying our sustainable campus
- Discovering the unique cultural history of the area
- Participating in investigations focusing on fire science curriculum
- Cross country skiing and snowshoeing at Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area (YSASA) or right from our back door
Find out more about the new curriculum we are developing for the NESC.
Long Term Vision
The new campus will ultimately grow to a capacity of 224 participants. The 60+ bed campus is the first phase of this outstanding project. The expansion of the center will involve building additional cabins, a formal dining hall, library, laboratory and classroom spaces.
The NESC will take the place of our Crane Flat campus. The National Park Service plans to restore the area around Crane Flat to its natural state once NatureBridge has fully vacated. Half Dome Village will continue to be a lodging option for participants in addition to the new campus.
FAQ
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When will the NESC be open for participant use?
NatureBridge is making every effort to start running programs out of the new campus as soon as possible. However, due to complications, we will not be running programs out of NESC for the 2018-19 school year, as anticipated. All scheduled programs with lodging at NESC for this school year will be at Crane Flat. We want to recognize any disappointment this may cause, as we too, are eager to share the NESC with you.
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What is the status of construction?
As of December 2018, two cabins and one bath house is complete and staff housing has been placed.
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Where is the NESC located?
NESC is located at the junction of Highway 41 and Henness Ridge Road, one half mile south of the turnoff for the Glacier Point road. The campus is 19 miles from Half Dome Village and adjacent to the Yosemite West community.
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What is the elevation and environment of the NESC?
The NESC sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet and is a picturesque example of an upper montane environment. Participants will gaze upon sugar pine forests and panoramic views of the South Fork Merced River watershed. Henness Ridge is peaceful and quiet refuge in a seldom visited corner of the park.
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What are weather conditions like at the NESC?
Due to higher altitude and surrounding trees, Henness Ridge temperatures are about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than Yosemite Valley. You can expect cold nights year round and snow cover throughout the winter season.
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What are the cabins like at the NESC?
The cabins at the NESC will provide dormitory-style accommodations with bunk beds. Each 32-bed cabin can be configured into one, two, three or four rooms. Between each room is a door that can be left open or closed depending on the gender breakdown and needs of the group. Two of the rooms accommodate 9 people and the other two sleep 7 people. The cabin rooms are accessed by two separate mud rooms where participants can hang their gear to dry. Each entry way leads to two separate doors for the individual rooms. There are two separate decks off of the back of the cabins.
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How many people are accommodated in each cabin?
Each cabin has 32 beds. In most cases, one cabin will be assigned to female participants and the other to male participants. We will generally consider campus capacity to be about 50 participants to account for an uneven gender split among participants.
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How will “rotations” (subgroups) be managed at NESC?
Schools that have traditionally rotated smaller subgroups between Crane Flat and Yosemite Valley accommodations will now rotate between NESC and Yosemite Valley. Given its similar elevation and environment, NESC will provide many of the same learning opportunities that Crane Flat has provided as well as many new opportunities for learning and exploration. Rotations should be created with an eye toward an even gender split with no more than 28 participants of one gender.
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Will adult teachers and chaperones stay in the cabins with students?
Yes, adult teachers and group leaders will stay in the cabins with students. Sliding pocket doors enable adult leaders to manage the separation of sleeping spaces so that adults can choose to be mixed in the same or different rooms from students, in most cases.
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Do the cabins have electricity?
Yes, several outlets will be available in each dormitory.
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Are linens provided?
No, linens are not provided. Be sure to pack the following: sleeping bag, pillow, towel, personal toiletries, and a fitted sheet (twin size).
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Will we be sharing the campus with other NatureBridge groups from different schools?
Yes, dormitories and other common areas may be shared by other NatureBridge groups depending on the size of each group.
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Where will we eat while staying at the NESC?
Family-style meals are served in the NESC dining hall. Meals are prepared by NatureBridge staff.
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What will we need to do to be “bear aware” at the NESC?
As in all areas of the park, all “smellies” will need to be removed from vehicles. Personal toiletries will be stored inside dormitories and any snacks brought by groups will be stored in the dining hall in a designated storage container.
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How far are the restrooms and showers from the dorms?
The bath house is located a short walk from the dorms.
Contact Us
For more information about the NESC, contact the Outreach and Enrollment team at yosemitereservations@naturebridge.org or 209-336-0089.
To arrange a campus tour during your scheduled NatureBridge program, notify Operations Manager, Tony Ebstein, at YOSEoperationsmanager@naturebridge.org or 209-732-0139.
Find Us
NatureBridge
7730 Henness Ridge Road
Wawona, CA 95389