Norris Ranch to hold Field Science Weekend
SPRINGVILLE — The Circle J-Norris Ranch and SCICON will host 85 area high school students who have identified an interest in field science and conservation careers at the fifth annual Field Science Weekend.
The event is an educational event that involves students in hands-on science and exposes them to career opportunities in the field sciences and conservation.
It is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22 and conclude at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 24.
Participating high schools are Granite Hills, Strathmore, Monache, Orosi, Tulare Union and Tulare Western.
Groups of 10 students and one or two teachers will be assigned to a study team. The team will work together with the scientists, focusing on one aspect of the ranch.
On Saturday, students will perform field science experiments and work to collect data. The students present a synopsis of the group’s work Saturday evening and then develop sustainable solutions for ranch management.
On Sunday morning, everyone will be involved in restoration service projects designed to improve conditions on the ranch.
Students will be fed and housed at SCICON.
The Field Science Weekend is also intended to reinforce the importance of students staying on track with science and math courses necessary for success in higher education.
It is organized by the Tulare County Office of Education’s SCICON outdoor education program, with support provided by Building Bridges to the Outdoors, a joint project of the Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation.
“We appreciate all of the scientists and teachers who come together to make the Field Science Weekend possible,” Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak said. “Their efforts help students consider the many important career opportunities that exist in field sciences and conservation.”
For more information, call Public Information Officer Robert Herman, 733-6606.
2010 Study Projects
1. Grazing Management with Fletcher Linton, M.S., Forest Botanist, Sequoia National Forest
2. Wildlife Survey led by Robin Galloway, Wildlife Biologist, Sequoia National Forest, and Eric Johnson, E & M’s Reptile Family
3. Fish & Their Food led by Kelly Aubushon, California Department of Fish & Game and Justin Ward
4. Water Quality Monitoring led by Mike Milanesi of Tulare City School District and a representative from California Department of Water Resources
5. Silviculture: Age and Condition of Oak Woodland led by George Powell, Silviculturist, Sequoia National Forest
6. Hydrology/ Stream Survey with Josh Courter, Hydrologist, Sequoia National Forest
7. Vernal Pool & Grazing Assessment with Bobby Kamansky, Principal Biologist, Kamansky’s Ecological Consulting
8. Art & Circle J–Norris Ranch led by Frances Pyles, artist
9. Archaeology & Stewardship TBA
2010 Service Projects
1. Nesting Boxes: Create bird nesting habitat by building and placing bird boxes for Western Blue Birds and American Kestrels.
2. Planting for Wildlife: Plant berry-producing shrubs and wildlife plants in an enclosure inside the restoration area. Set up irrigation system.
3. Christmas Trees for Fish: Improve fish habitat by sinking Christmas trees in the pond. This gives fish a place to hide!
4. Floating Islands 4.0: Build and launch new and improved floating islands. The islands provide basking places for turtles and can serve to purify the pond water.
5. Planting in the Restoration Area: Plant native plants such as willows, California blackberry, and many other native plants.
6. Weed Warriors; Remove noxious weeds in the restoration area – conquer the Himalayan blackberry and bull thistle rosettes.
