National Forest Foundation grant brings more Invictus High School students back for Nature Service Projects!
September 13, 2024: With matching support from a National Forest Foundation grant, more high school students came to camp for the very first time, participating in Closing Weekend at Camp this year!
20 seniors from Invictus High School (a public charter school) came to Berkeley Tuolumne Camp to learn more about nature stewardship, and they had time to enjoy traditional camp activities such as playing in a volleyball tournament, swimming in the river, hiking in the forest, tie dying, and just enjoying being in nature.
The students learned a whole lot . . . and made a significant contribution managing the camp’s plant health and trail maintenance.
Adrian Wilson, FOBTC trails Committee Member and environmental educator taught the new students about local native plants, as well as how to identify and remove the invasive ones. Instead of just “weed whacking” the area, the students worked to reduce the impact of aggressive weeds (by removing them from their roots) while leaving intact beneficial species for erosion control and wildlife.
And, like their predecessors before, after being introduced to Camp, some of the students are now interested in returning to camp as staff and CITS for summer 2025!
Thanks to the National Forest Service for providing matching funding to help pay for bus transportation, food, housing, incentives to succeed, and all the necessary supplies. We are deeply grateful for the Foundation’s efforts to spark an interest in forest stewardship among traditionally overlooked youth populations.
Last, but not least, thanks to all of YOU generous FOBTC supporters! Because of YOU, our Camp community is growing and the trees we all love are growing.
Here are the students working on the area around the cabins above main Camp!
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