Sixteen grinding stones on the school property give evidence that the Me-wuk people once stood on the land where the students now study that culture. This is an orientation lesson which covers our goals of learning about ecology, respecting nature, and cooperating with others. Conservation Students experience the complex decision making process surrounding the use of resources. Using mock environmental impact reports, games, and experiments, students learn about renewable and non-renewable resources, as well as the potential problems concerning lack of conservation. Time spent with our injured red-tailed hawk brings home the importance of preserving nature.
Special attention is given to bird adaptations when students visit our bird blind.
Ecology Concepts including interdependence, cycles and adaptations are introduced through various environmental activities. This is a one-hour hike which focuses on nocturnal animals, constellations and a positive experience during the night. One day each week the students are taken to see Moaning Caverns, one of the largest vertical caves in California. They learn about cave formation and ecology and see their naturalist or classroom teacher rappel down a 180-foot rope. Then everyone goes to Calaveras Big Trees, to see the earth's biggest living trees.