I have found that becoming familiar with the local flora, fauna, and natural history in our area truly enhances my outdoor experiences. For example, learning how to identify the different plant species that grow in this area, makes me start to notice more about their habitat: what other plants grow around them, if they prefer shade or sunlight, the kind of soil they grow best on, or what elevation range they grow in. The more I learn, the more I truly appreciate the what an ecosystem really is, and how we are all part of it.
With this in mind, I wanted to provide resources for those who prefer to learn about their environment through experience. Getting out there with the experts can really skyrocket your level of knowledge, not to mention help you meet other folks with similar interests!
1. The High Sierra Institute: Based near Sonora Pass at the historic Baker Station, the High Sierra Institute offers a huge variety of affordable classes such as: wildflower identification, geology, bird identification, nature journaling, backpacking, and much more. You can sign up by enrolling at Columbia College or Modesto Junior College (it is free to enroll): the class cost ranges between $41-67 (including lodging but not food), and class length ranges from 1-4 days. For a list of courses being offered this summer, visit the High Sierra Institute’s website, or enroll through Columbia College by linking here.
Costa's Hummingbird, photo by John Turner
For those who want to improve their birding skills, these are the folks to hang out with! They offer birding field trips open to the public, as well as host a diverse assortment of speakers who are experts in their own field at their semi-regular monthly meetings. To see what classes are being offered by the Central Sierra Audubon Society, click here.
3. The Sierra Club:
If hiking is your thing, then look no further. The Mother Lode Chapter of the Sierra Club will connect you to their many local Groups throughout the Sierra Nevada, all of which offer a variety of guided hikes in their region which the public is welcome to participate in. Hikes range from one to multiple days in duration. Click here for a link to regional hikes being offered by the Sierra Club!
4. The California Native Plant Society, Sierra Foothills Chapter:
Being a plant person, I am a big fan of these guys. If you are looking to stop and smell (and learn) the flowers, check out their 2010 planned outings, by linking to the Chapter president’s excellent wildflower website.
photo courtesy of Camping Women Sierra Foothills Chapter
For females who want to get outdoors in a supportive social group. This group has a large list of very affordable activities planned such as: weekly kayaking paddles, day hikes, backpacking, and camping trips. Their website describes their mission well: “We share with one another our knowledge of: camping skills, music and singing, cooking methods, camping gear and shelters, nature identification, and our love of the out-of-doors. Most of all, we have fun!” Get connected with other outdoor-loving females, and check out their schedule of events.
6. Do it yourself, but with help:
Image courtesy of John Muir Laws website
I hope you found this helpful, but if you have any questions please be sure to let me know and I will do my best to point you in the right direction. Was there a group that I missed? Let me know what you think should be on the list.
Julia Stephens
CSERC Associate