Outdoor Education Field Trip
From July 7–9, a small group of adventurous campers set out on a three-day Outdoor Education Field Trip across the Bay Area—an experience filled with discovery, hands-on learning, and meaningful connection with nature. Thanks to the generous support of Valley Water, students were able to visit ecological preserves, meet with scientists, and explore our region’s natural wonders up close.
Day 1: Jasper Ridge & Stanford’s Hidden Gems
Our trip began with an opening activity led by the mental health support team, helping campers ground themselves and prepare for the week ahead. From there, we traveled to Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve at Stanford University, where Jorge, our trail guide, led a two-mile walk while teaching us about the local ecosystem. Campers collected plant samples along the way and later examined them under microscopes with the help of Adrianna, a resident botanist at the Jasper Ridge Research Facility. They also had the option to press the plants they found most interesting.
After a fun lunch at Tendergreens, the group enjoyed quiet time walking through the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden and relaxing at Terman Fountain before returning to base at the South Bay Yacht Club.
Day 2: Sustainability, Farms, and Salt Ponds
On Tuesday, the group expanded with two new campers, bringing our total to seven. The day began with a tour of the Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies, where campers learned about green architecture and sustainable living practices. Afterward, we took a scenic break at McClellan Ranch Preserve, where students enjoyed snacks and lunch before joining a farm tour led by Vivian and Alyssa. The highlight? Meeting friendly goats and chickens at the 4H Farm!
Lunch was a picnic at Cupertino Memorial Park, followed by a peaceful walk at Alviso Marina County Park, where students explored the salt ponds and learned about the area's wetland restoration efforts.
Day 3: Hiking, Wildlife, and Reflection
Our final day brought the full group together—nine campers in total. The day began with a guided hike at Alum Rock Park, led by Todd Hayes, a volunteer naturalist from the California Native Plant Society. Campers learned about native plants and wildlife as they made their way along the North Rim Trail.
After a lunch break and some time on the playground, we visited the Youth Science Institute, where campers met a boa constrictor, chinchilla, hissing cockroach, and more! To wind down the trip, we stopped at Hidden Lake Park in Milpitas, where students reflected on their experiences while enjoying the lake, birds, and open green space.
Thank You to Valley Water
Because of Valley Water’s generous grant, our campers had the rare opportunity to engage directly with environmental educators, scientists, and natural habitats across the South Bay. This trip helped them deepen their appreciation for the environment and sparked curiosity through hands-on, real-world learning.
Thank you, Valley Water, for supporting youth education and helping us connect students with the natural world around them. 💧🌿
