As part of the Organismal Biology, I take student on field trips to various habitat locations to examine the flora and fauna found in these habitats. For this weekend’s field studies, the students will have the opportunity to explore/learn about desert to montane habitats found within the Mojave National Preserve. There will be no collection of flora or fauna, but rather identification, discussion of the natural history and their adaptations. The Sweeney Reserve would serve as an introduction to how the UC Reserves utilize areas for conservation and research. We anticipate arriving at Sweeney Reserve on either Saturday or Sunday to explore the Norris Interpretive Trail, potentially the Native American pictographs near the Allanson Center, potentially head out to explore some of the trails near the Bunny Club to introduce students to various habitats and organisms. We would leave before sunset to head back to our Mid-Hills campsite. I’d also like to introduce my colleagues to our former colleague’s (Dr. Tony Huntley) graduate advisor, Ken Norris. It’s been a long while since Saddleback Biology/Geology has brought students to the Sweeney Reserve. I apologize for listing both dates as I’m still working out the trip’s itinerary.

Approved