We will be at the station to work on developing a collaborative research project. This project is inspired by our work as scholars in Ecology and Education for Refugees respectively. It will be conducted in Yosemite for three specific reasons: 1. Fostering Transformative Interdisciplinary Collaboration through Immersion An interdisciplinary retreat within a UC Reserve at Yosemite offers an unparalleled environment for the Ecology and Education scholars to deeply integrate their expertise, moving beyond superficial collaboration to a truly transformative co-design process. Van Benthem and Malagon (2023) emphasize that complex environmental challenges, such as species loss and climate change, necessitate interdisciplinary approaches. While traditional academic settings often foster disciplinary silos, a retreat in a natural setting actively breaks down these barriers. By immersing themselves in the ecological richness of Yosemite, the Ecology scholar can directly ground the project's scientific rigor in the realities of California's endemic species and their conservation challenges. Simultaneously, the Education scholar can observe and draw inspiration from the natural environment to conceptualize pedagogical approaches that are not only scientifically accurate but also deeply engaging and culturally relevant for newcomer migrant students. This direct, shared experience of the project's subject matter (California's endemic nature) in a world-renowned natural setting fosters a common language and understanding that would be difficult to achieve in a conventional office environment. The unique atmosphere of Yosemite, with its diverse ecosystems and pressing conservation needs, will naturally spark innovative ideas for translating complex ecological concepts into accessible and impactful educational experiences. This immersive approach will enable a truly synergistic design, ensuring the project is both scientifically sound and educationally effective. 2. Leveraging "Nature-Deficit Disorder" Solutions and Biophilia for Deep Engagement Designing a conservation project for newcomer migrant students demands a deep understanding of their unique needs and experiences, which may include limited prior exposure to large natural areas or specific conservation concepts in a U.S. context. Richard Louv's (2005) seminal work, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, highlights the critical importance of direct experiences in nature for the healthy development and engagement of young people. While Louv focuses on children, the principles extend to fostering connection and understanding in all ages, particularly for those navigating new environments and educational systems. A retreat in a UC Reserve at Yosemite provides the ideal backdrop to consider how to combat this "nature-deficit" and leverage the innate human connection to nature, known as biophilia. By being immersed in the very environment they aim to protect, the scholars can design a project that intrinsically appeals to students' biophilic tendencies, making conservation tangible and relatable. The unique biodiversity of Yosemite, home to a significant number of California's endemic species and facing threats like invasive species and altered fire regimes (NPS, 2017), offers a living laboratory for the project's themes. This direct connection allows the scholars to develop curriculum that is experiential, inquiry-based, and inspires a sense of stewardship, rather than simply presenting abstract facts. For newcomer migrant students, who may be navigating a new cultural landscape, direct, positive experiences in nature can be profoundly impactful, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to their new home state while simultaneously building environmental literacy. 3. Responding to Yosemite's Urgent Conservation Needs and Promoting Place-Based Learning The selection of a UC Reserve at Yosemite is not merely a scenic choice; it is a strategic decision rooted in the urgent and specific conservation challenges faced by California's endemic species within the park and the broader Sierra Nevada. Yosemite National Park, while iconic, is not immune to significant threats, including air pollution, invasive species, and climate change impacts like altered fire regimes (IUCN, 2024; NPS, 2017). The park is home to a rich diversity of California's endemic flora and fauna, making it a critical site for conservation efforts. Designing a project in this context allows the Ecology and Education scholars to directly address "place-based education", a concept championed by authors like David Sobel (2004) in Beyond Ecophobia: Reclaiming the Heart in Nature Education. Sobel argues that authentic environmental education begins with understanding and caring for one's local place. By being in Yosemite, the scholars can meticulously integrate the park's specific conservation narratives, research, and ongoing challenges into the project's design. This direct engagement with the "problem space" ensures the project is not just theoretically sound but practically relevant and rooted in real-world conservation issues. For newcomer migrant students, understanding the unique ecological context of California, exemplified by Yosemite, provides a powerful entry point into broader conservation concepts. The urgency of protecting Yosemite's endemic species will imbue the project with a sense of purpose and immediacy, inspiring the scholars to create an educational experience that empowers students to become active participants in the conservation of their new state's natural heritage.

Approved