Environmental Education at Donner Summit

Our core programs take place on spectacular Donner Summit, at the top of the Yuba and American River Watersheds -- 7,100 feet elevation in the High Sierra. We are based at the Sierra Club’s historic Clair Tappaan Lodge.

 

 

Our Mission:

To provide spirited, adventurous and transformative explorations of the natural world.

 

To prepare tomorrow’s citizens and leaders for envisioning and creating roles in our emerging green society.

 

To highlight sustainability in oneself, our relationships, and with the earth’s ecosystems.

 

To foster systems thinking, intuition, wonder, inquiry, respect, health and confidence

 

 

Curriculum:

 

Field Science

Forest Ecology Carbon Sequestration Surveys, habitat assessments, fire ecology. View lesson plans.	Wetland Studies Streamside bio-assessment, botanical transects, meadow surveys. View Mountain Meadow Protocol document.
Hydrology UC Snow Science Lab.  Visit the UC snow Science lab website.	Geology Explorations of the volcanic and granitic landforms. View essay on Summit Geology.

Human History

We walk back in time passing through Tunnel Number Six (infamous as the most difficult-to-complete section of the entire Transcontinental Railroad) – to the craggy gap that the emigrant Stevens and Donner parties struggled through with their wagons – down to some of the oldest petroglyphs found in the Sierra. Along the way we will share readings describing the Chinese rail worker experience, harrowing stories from the emigrant pioneers, and tales of initiation from California’s Native American tribes. Students will do a creative writing assignment describing a “day in the life” from one of the periods studied.

 

 

Restoration

Streamside habitat, erosion control, forest fuels reduction

 

Mountain Adventure

Challenge Hikes, Rock Climbing, Back-Country Skiing and Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Flatwater Kayaking, Swimming in Mountain Lakes.

 

 

Our well-rounded programs feature -

 

 

Faculty:  Includes leading research scientists, credentialed and advanced degree teachers, gifted naturalists, world-class mountaineers, and local deep ecologists.  View staff bios.

 

The Sierra Club’s Historic Clair Tappaan Lodge:

Ideal for school groups:  plenty of places for gathering, a huge backyard with volleyball, soccer, and a campfire pit. Bunk-style accommodations, large single-gender dorms and smaller group rooms.   Hearty breakfasts and dinners prepared by professional chefs.  Students prepare their own sack lunches each day and pitch in with chores.

     

Visit the Clair Tappaan Website

 

 

 

Testimonials:

“This great trip has broadened my perspective on the natural world, its history, and my role for its future.”  Kelly 12th grade

“My guide was extraordinary –brilliant, enthusiastic and energetic, the trip was a terrific success.” Mike McGarry – math teacher

“This program was superb, you met all my needs for educational, cultural, outdoor and social experiences.” Ms. Leslie Trook, Principal A.P. Giannini Middle School

“Can we secure your program for our next year's Freshman Enrichment Block?  From all I observed and heard this year’s experience was a home run for all participants, we are eager to keep it going!” Dr. Al Adams – Headmaster Lick Wilmerding High School