A field journal is a superb tool for learning about the natural world. No matter how much or how little natural- history training you have, you can use a journal to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of any environment.
This class covers writing and sketching techniques useful for sharpening your powers of observation and analysis--and for producing a useful record of your experience. Time will be set aside, apart from group instruction and exercises, so that each participant can design and carry out a small independent field project, pursuing a favorite question using skills gained in the class. Previous experience with writing, sketching, and/or natural history is welcome but not assumed.
Writer, editor, and visual artist Sarah Rabkin has a bachelor's degree in biology from Harvard University and a graduate certificate in science communication from UC Santa Cruz. A UCSC instructor in writing and environmental studies for 24 years, Sarah has also led dozens of field workshops around the American West. She loves spending time at and around the Sierra Nevada Field Campus, and sharing her love of field journals with other mountain enthusiasts.
There will be a get-acquainted meeting on the evening of July 31st at 7:00 PM ; last meeting finishes at 3:00 p.m. on August 3.
Binoculars are highly recommended; a pocket knife; a hand lens;
Warm sleeping bag, foam pad, flashlight, etc. Bring your own tent or use tents with beds provided at the field campus (see brochure).
Although days are generally warm, or even hot at lower elevations, be prepared for temperatures as low as freezing at night. Variable weather clothing that may be layered is best. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, warm sweater and jacket, t-shirt and shorts or skirt, tennis shoes or hiking boots, sun hat, rain gear, and a warm hat or gloves for cold weather or night activities. Old sneakers, rubber boots, or hip-waders may come in handy for marsh prowling.
Miscellaneous: Day pack, sunscreen, insect repellant, alarm clock, water bottles.
Contact Jim Steele, before 1 June -- School of Science and Engineering, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco, CA 94132-9987, (415)-338-1571 or (650)-738-1814; after 1 June -- c/o Sierra Nevada Field Campus, Star Route, Sattley, CA 96124, (530)-862-1230.