• Expedition: Apr 24-30, 2016
  • Generation Green Central
  • Yosemite National Park: Hetch Hetchy/Rancheria Falls

Students from Reedley and Orange Cove High Schools embarked on an adventure to push their limits and grow closer together during their expedition in the spring of 2016. The group hiked from O'Shaughnessy Dam to Rancheria Falls to camp for 4 nights. Before leaving for their backpacking trip, the group had a great day packing their backpacks and spending time with Ranger Shelton Johnson. There was also a lot of silly selfie time in the mirror but hey, sometimes you just have to cut loose!

As storm clouds built overhead, the group had several days to reflect, make art, make observations of their surroundings and conduct a science experiment. Wilderness Ranger, PJ met the group at the trailhead on the first day, hiked to Rancheria Falls and camped with them for the evening. PJ led them in a stewardship project to remove camp fire rings from improper locations and clean out fire rings that should be used in the future. The group helped to protect the pristine watershed which serves San Francisco's water needs. An entire city has this group to thank for the continued flow of crisp, clean water from the mountains in Yosemite. The students learned about fire ecology and saw so much wildlife, including a wild black bear! This bear seemed to want to make sure to allow every one to see him because he walked by all of the places each student was! Seeing a wild bear was definitely a highlight!

The students of Reedley and Orange Cove are strong, sweet and hilarious. They helped to make Yosemite more beautiful and we hope they come back very soon!

shelton

The group had an incredible time with Ranger Shelton Johnson

group

Group at lookout above the dam

skink

Only one of the many wildlife sightings of their trip

wildflowers
day moon
wapama falls

Wapama Falls, one of the 4 waterfalls the group saw on their trip. Spring is glorious!

rainbow

The group read the rainbow over the dam on their first day as a sign of good luck for their adventure to come.

bear

This was the first time most of the students saw a bear in the wild. They were able to enjoy seeing a wild animal do what it does in its home. What an incredible experience!

WildLink is a proud partner of the National Park Service, National Forest Service, and Nature Bridge.