Yosemite National Park

Step outside the Exploration Center and look for a California Black Oak tree (Quercus velutina). These trees have distinctive lobed leaves that turn golden in the fall. If you’re unsure, look around the base of the tree for fallen leaves to examine. 

Hold the leaf in your hand and take a moment to notice its details. Use your senses:

• What do you see? Observe the shape, color, and texture.
• What do you feel? Is it smooth, rough, dry, or soft?
• What do you smell? Some leaves have a faint scent when crushed.

Take a moment to respond to these prompts, either in your mind or by writing them down in a journal or phone notes:

• I Notice... Describe what stands out about the leaf. (Example: "I notice the edges are slightly curled and there are tiny holes in the surface.")
• I Wonder... Ask a question about what you see. (Example: "I wonder what kind of insect made these holes?")
• It Reminds Me Of... Make a connection to something in your life. (Example: "It reminds me of the leaves I collected as a kid in autumn.")

Black oaks are a key part of Yosemite’s landscape. They provide food for many animals, including black bears, deer, and birds, which depend on their acorns for survival. Their wide, sturdy branches offer shade and shelter for various creatures, while their deep roots help prevent soil erosion and maintain a healthy ecosystem.

These trees are well-adapted to Yosemite’s changing seasons. In spring, they grow bright green leaves, which turn golden yellow in fall. In winter, the trees shed their leaves, conserving energy for new growth in the warmer months. Fire plays an important role in the Black Oak’s life cycle, clearing space for new saplings to grow and keeping forests diverse and healthy.

Unfortunately, changes in fire management and climate conditions have impacted black oak populations. Fewer natural fires mean fewer opportunities for young oaks to grow, and increased droughts make it harder for seedlings to survive. Scientists and park rangers are working to support these trees by studying their growth patterns and restoring their habitat.

The natural world is full of mysteries waiting to be discovered! By taking the time to slow down, make careful observations, and ask thoughtful questions, we can uncover hidden patterns, unexpected connections, and new insights about the plants, animals, and landscapes around us. Every great scientific discovery started with curiosity—so next time you're outside, let your senses guide you, and see where your questions take you!

NatureBridge is a nonprofit organization and the largest educational partner of the National Park Service. Since 1971, our mission has been to connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. Through our overnight, hands-on environmental science programs located in Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Olympic National Park, and Prince William Forest Park, we take more than 30,000 students each year into our national parks to explore the outdoors, connect with their peers, discover themselves and develop a lasting relationship with the environment.

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