Headed North: Science Club Visits the Redwoods
For the first time, the ECC Science Club took a trip way up north to see California's redwoods, following the theme, "Ecology and Natural History of the Redwood Forest." The group of 20 students visited four state parks during spring recess: Humboldt Redwoods, Van Damme, Mount Tamalpais, and Big Basin Redwoods. These parks included ancient and pristine redwoods groves, which allowed students to appreciate their beauty as well as the amazing biodiversity that they hold. During hikes, students learned about plant ecology and evolution, while developing the ability to spot different kinds of lichens, mosses, and mushrooms. (They saw at least 30 different kinds of mushrooms!) Students also learned about some of the unusual animals that inhabit these forests such as a poisonous newt and the unique banana slugs. Professors Karla Villatoro (biology) and Susan Bickford (math) led the adventure that took the group about 600 miles north of El Camino College.