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Thank you for your interest in California Wilderness. This program will explore no less grand questions than these: what are humans, what is nature, what is their relationship? To phrase this more personally, we might ask: who are we, where are we, what are we going to do here?
These questions have occupied humans since the beginning, and we will take a broad look at some of the various directions this questioning has gone. All our actions begin with some understanding of who we are and what our place is in nature. This program is, then, an exploration of worldviews. True to the field of environmental studies, it is an interdisciplinary exploration, blending philosophy, psychology, religious studies, literature, and natural sciences.
Perhaps grand questions are best pursued in grand locations. We will travel to three different wild areas of California and make backpacking excursions into each. This will enable us to see some of the diversity of the state, and it will allow exposure to a variety of landforms, textures, and moods. You can expect both high peaks and river valleys, both deep forests and open alpine expanses.
One of the unique joys of this (and other) Sierra Institute programs is that we spend such an extended period of time living in nature. It is a deepening process. As the days go on, there is a cumulative effect of waking and sleeping on the earth, going to the river for water, gathering around a fire at night. It is often difficult to put words to this influence, but everyone feels it and everyone seems to relish it. In the cities, most of what we see is human-created; on this program, we will be surrounded by the ancient earth that created humans, and our fortunate challenge is to open deeply to that ambiance.
We will meet in Santa Cruz, CA., on June 26, at which time we'll have an orientation and make arrangements for departure the following morning.
The program will consist of three separate backpacking trips with brief resupply periods in between.
We will begin in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness of Northern California, near the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Eel River. Next we'll hike the
length of the Lost Coast, 26 wild miles of unpaved coastline. We will finish our course in the White Mountains, home of the bristlecone pines
(some of the world's oldest living beings), and return to Santa Cruz on August 6.
Student comments (anonymous) from the California Wilderness program evaluation forms:
“Has been the most expansive trip of my life. I can't wait to share it with my family and community.”
“I have never taken a course in which I learned so much - not even just academically, but about life and the world. The course was set up in a way that encouraged and relied upon participation from every student, and the atmosphere was one of total open-mindedness and acceptance - giving everyone the courage and opportunity to bring their own thoughts and background into the program. It also gave us flexibility and trust to write and discuss whatever aspects of the subject matter we would like.”
What did you like most about the program?
“Encouragement of students to be active in their own education. This course is remarkably designed and finessed.”
“Open discussions about readings; relevant, interesting readings; small class size; thorough feedback on papers by professor which will greatly help me with papers and personal expression in the future.”
“The true interpenetration of academic material and the wilderness experience. We are blessed to experience some of the most beautiful wild areas in the country and world. The confidence that's grown in me with the dedication to 2 months through the framework of the Hero's Journey of self-realization and group commitment.”
“This trip was such a gift. I feel alive and in love.”
“This type of education has encouraged my growth as a student, and as a good person in a world that demands ecological, environmental, and humanitarian understanding and compassion.”
“Willow was one of the best teachers I have ever had. She was loving, open-minded, thoughtful, and always encouraging. By giving us trust, along with these things, she truly brought out our motivation. She helped speak a love and desire for learning, making the course a pleasure instead of a chore.”
program info | courses | field conditions | instructor | costs
See SLIDE SHOW