San Diego County, California
On December 5th we were graced by a visit from a group of 16 year old students from various countries who have been staying with host families in the U.S.
They joined us as part of a larger group called GreenHeart, based in Chicago. Allison and Stephanie led the group to us via Camp Stevens.
Just head east for your fill of fall color! San Diego may not get the depth and variety of color found on the east coast, however, many trees have been showing off their fall finery and putting on quite a display in the mountains of east San Diego County.
Kindergarten children from Julian Elementary School recently visited Santa Ysabel Nature Preserve with VMF teachers Sheana Fry and Kathleen Beck who led the youngsters on a Place In Nature hike. We gazed upon local wildflowers, felt the cool waters of the stream, observed the local wildlife and learned about scat. The day ended with an activity called Sound Mapping.
In early August several middle school students attended a class in Conservation of the Oak Woodland through Art. We hiked into the nearby Preserves to find Oaks as models to draw in graphite and charcoal. There, we learned about what is happening with the bark beetle infestation and how planting new trees is one way to help with the problem of the disappearing oaks.
#GivingTuesday...a day focused on giving back! A wonderful new holiday tradition to follow Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and focus on gifts that make a difference to communities. Won't you please help make a difference to the Volcan Mountain community and join in making a year-end gift?