"Come to the woods, for here is rest."
John Muir
Leaving only footprints, this elective will be centered around hiking and walking in and around our local environment. Students will learn about the local city and county trail system, state trails and interstate hiking and backpacking trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and the Coastal Trail to name a few. On our walks, we will focus on the Natural History of the area including plants and animals as well as learning the wilderness ethic of leaving no trace. Hiking and walking has huge physical and mental health benefits for those who partake. Besides oxygenating our very important brains, hiking and walking lowers blood pressure, enhances stamina and energy, lessens anxiety and tension, improves muscle tone, increases aerobic capacity, reduces levels of bad cholesterol, slims your waist, eases back pains, reduces levels of bad cholesterol, slows down osteoporosis bone loss, can be done anytime, and is free! Hiking and walking provides us with a chance to slow down and be mindful about what is around us and what is inside of us.
Each week we will walk locally from the school (2-4 miles) and once a month we will pick a place to hike in Sonoma County for a longer hike such as Armstrong Redwoods, Shiloh Regional Park, etc. (4-6 miles). The end of the year will culminate in a day long 8-10 mile hike up Mt. St. Helena, Mt Tamalpias or Bald Mountain in Sugar Loaf State Park.
John Muir
Leaving only footprints, this elective will be centered around hiking and walking in and around our local environment. Students will learn about the local city and county trail system, state trails and interstate hiking and backpacking trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and the Coastal Trail to name a few. On our walks, we will focus on the Natural History of the area including plants and animals as well as learning the wilderness ethic of leaving no trace. Hiking and walking has huge physical and mental health benefits for those who partake. Besides oxygenating our very important brains, hiking and walking lowers blood pressure, enhances stamina and energy, lessens anxiety and tension, improves muscle tone, increases aerobic capacity, reduces levels of bad cholesterol, slims your waist, eases back pains, reduces levels of bad cholesterol, slows down osteoporosis bone loss, can be done anytime, and is free! Hiking and walking provides us with a chance to slow down and be mindful about what is around us and what is inside of us.
Each week we will walk locally from the school (2-4 miles) and once a month we will pick a place to hike in Sonoma County for a longer hike such as Armstrong Redwoods, Shiloh Regional Park, etc. (4-6 miles). The end of the year will culminate in a day long 8-10 mile hike up Mt. St. Helena, Mt Tamalpias or Bald Mountain in Sugar Loaf State Park.