Discover New Heights
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity…” –John Muir
Invasive plant removal in Yosemite
Trail maintenance at Mt. Diablo
On a hike in Yosemite
Mt. Diablo MOVE staff
Yosemite
Setting up a tent at Mt. Diablo
Hearing about Yosemite from John Muir (impersonator)
Learning about the geology in Yosemite National Park
Flanking the Central Valley are the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Coastal Mountain Range. The Sierra Nevada is home to Yosemite National Park and uncountable small mountain lakes, like Bear River Reservoir in El Dorado National Forest. The Coastal Mountain Range is dominated by Mount Diablo State Park. The organizations that oversee the utilization of these mountain ranges depend on the volunteerism of caring citizens to maintain habitats for wildlife and to maintain the trail systems so that adventurers can safely explore the environment without causing undue damage to the beautiful landscape. The Mountain experience of MOVE is a way to commit to the future of our mighty mountains.
-
Option 1: Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada Mountains
Spend the night among the majestic sights in Yosemite. Spend your first day wandering among the giant sequoias, splashing in the Merced River, and roasting marshmallows by the campfire before snuggling into your tent cabin for the night. On day two you will learn about the environment unique to the Yosemite National Park, while assisting the Yosemite Institute in restoring the Valley to its natural state. You might be removing non-native plants to allow the mighty trees to grow or spending time near the water to help keep it fresh and clear. However you spend your time in Yosemite, you will return to campus with new friends and fond memories.
-
Option 2: Mt. Diablo, Coastal Mountain Range
Grab your sleeping bag (or a comforter) and a pillow, and spend the night on a rustic camping trip (tents and pads provided) in the Mt. Diablo State Park. Spend the day hiking and exploring the highest mountain top in the Coastal Mountain Range, help cook dinner on camp stoves, and then spend the evening star gazing and discovering new constellations. The second day will be spent working alongside volunteers from the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association to restore the landscape to its original splendor. If you have any camping stories or books on astronomy, bring them along. This will be a camping experience to remember!
-
Option 3: Bear River, Sierra Nevada Mountains
This is a great opportunity to do some rustic camping. Upon arrival you will learn to pitch a tent, set up camp, and then hike down to Bear River Reservoir to enjoy the cool water. Spend your evening helping to cook dinner and then roast marshmallows around the campfire; don't forget to take a moment to enjoy the splendor of the star filled sky. The next morning you will pair up with volunteer staff from the El Dorado National Forest Interpretive Association to explore the tree filled forests while you help to maintain and repair established trails and protect the natural habitat of the National Forest.
