This course explores local plant and animal communities and includes class discussion followed by field trip(s) to selected regions of California such as desert or coastal (as specified in the schedule). In addition to studying the unique plants and animals of the selected area, other aspects of natural history, including ecology and soil types, will be examined. Students must successfully complete class preparatory requirements in order to participate in the field trip. A transportation and supplies fee may be charged for trip expenses.

The Spring 2008 course explores the local plant  and animal communities of the Owen’s Valley and neighboring regions. Communities that will be discusses include alpine meadows, alpine forest, desert scrub, sand dunes, and pinyon- juniper woodland. The field component of this course will visit areas of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Western slope of the White Mountains, Eureka dunes, and Death Valley.