Sonoma students study geology of Yosemite

Justin-Siena High School in Napa offers a class called Geology of the National Parks, taught by Rick Landry. Landry recently took his class of 26 to Yosemite National Park, including seven students from Sonoma Valley: Erica Carmona, Sarah Kenton, Ben Miyasaki, Talia Rizzo, Laura Schramek, Wriley Sedgwick-Robles and Megan Steiger

Landry has tailored the trip to focus on geology, ecology, cultural history and stewardship.

According to Landry, students explore the geologic history of the Yosemite Valley, look into the past human history, observe human interactions with the environment, and complete a service project.

The concurrent service projects include conifer and/or invasive species removal, water quality testing, phenology surveys, and litter cleanup in Yosemite.

This year, geology students had the opportunity to attend an evening performance by John Muir scholar Lee Stetson and hear tales of Yosemite from the late 1800s. Stetson holds performances twice a week through November for the general public.

In addition to cultural history, students engaged in cross-curricular instruction as art instructor Monica Jacobson provided a lesson on plein air painting.

This week-long adventure has been a cornerstone of Landry’s course since its inception in the fall of 2000.