A group of Citrus College students and their professor got the opportunity to spend a weekend exploring the wonders of Nevada.
Earth science professor Mercedes Belica took her field geology students on a trip to the Valley of Fire and Lake Mead on Oct. 27. They spent a few days exploring the geography and wildlife of the desert.
The class saw many different things during their trip. Belica said they saw animals such as bighorn sheep and tarantulas, and got to see ancient Native American petroglyphs, which are drawings etched in the rock.
Forestry major Bree Robles noted how incredible it was to see the petroglyphs.
The geography presented itself as unique, with bright red rocks and sand dunes. Belica described it as “truly incredible.”
Furthermore, the class got to see a wide variety of bloom that occurred after Hurricane Hilary’s passage as a tropical storm through the southwestern United States in August.
The trip also served as a special bonding moment for the class. Belica said she enjoyed watching the students make new friends. The students got to participate in camping activities such as making a campfire, s’mores and telling ghost stories.
Elementary education major Eliza Cordova said the trip was an “unforgettable and transformative experience” that allowed her to reconnect with nature like she never had before.
Overall, the trip had a positive impact on the class. It made for unforgettable memories and an informative experience.
“From Lake Mead and Hoover Dam to the Valley of Fire National Park, anyone who likes geology and ecology will have a blast,” forestry major Richard Brandon said.
A major takeaway from the trip for Belica was that she wishes to teach more field classes to take her students on more field trips.
