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“Nature is such a beautiful thing that we need to nourish and care for as humans. Nature is life and everyone has a role in it and keeping it sustained to the best it can possibly be.” —De La Salle student

Recently, a group of students from De La Salle High School gathered outdoors to do something that many kids don’t have the opportunity to do every day:

• spend hours learning within nature,
• deepening their knowledge about land stewardship and about themselves, and
• focusing on their role in nature.

The first wildlife sighting of the day was a Swainson’s hawk circling overhead, seeing everyone off as they started their hike. Curry Canyon Ranch is popular with a variety of hawks, its grasslands and oak savannas serving as an ideal hunting ground.

As they traveled throughout Curry Canyon Ranch on their educational hike, the students learned about the different native plants that they could find around them.

Students came away from the experience able to identify various native trees and what makes each one unique.

Giving Back to the Land

Every Conservation Collaboration Agreement involves a service project, in which the students get their hands dirty and help with one of our stewardship projects.

Past projects have involved tasks like removing invasive weeds, installing fencing, and fixing trails.

This time, the service project was to plant willow trees along one of Curry Canyon Ranch’s creeks. Willows provide incredible habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

When we plant willows, we take trimmings from adult trees and plant them in the earth. The planting needs to be done in a good spot, near or in water with the right soil for the trees to grow.

Our students started by hammering slim metal poles into the ground to create a hole that would be the right size for those small branches that will hopefully grow into successful trees.

Sometimes the first spot doesn’t work, the soil can be too rocky. So, it can be necessary to try a few spots before a good place for the new tree is found.

Thanks to the hard work of the De La Salle students, many new trees were planted along the creek at Curry Canyon Ranch. We look forward to seeing them grow into healthy adult willows!

A Moment of Solitude in Nature

One of the most memorable parts of our Conservation Collaboration Agreement program is the contemplative solo, when students quiet reflect and journal in Mount Diablo’s wilderness.

In a world that never stops, it’s more important than ever that we give people a chance to experience the peace and wonder that this time in nature can offer.

Students were asked to spend half an hour quietly sitting, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of nature, and reflecting on two questions. What is nature? What is my place in nature?

As the students listened and reflected, nature came alive around them. Scampering ground squirrels could be seen afoot as majestic falcons soared overhead.

The rustling leaves and twittering birds came to the forefront of their attention as they settled into a period of quietness.

After the solo concluded, students gathered in a circle, some sharing what they wrote with the group.

In answer to the first question, one student wrote:

“Nature is being out in the world and enjoying what God created for us. We don’t truly understand what we have until it’s gone. We have to understand that the world is a special place and we are the ones who have to keep it safe.

“Nature is something we don’t see every day. Nature is being with the animals, trees, plants, grass, leaves, etc. We need to be the caretakers and leaders otherwise, we won’t have this in the future. Nature is a big piece of our world today, because without it, we wouldn’t be getting fresh oxygen to help us humans breathe and stay healthy.

“In nature, we can feel the calmness and stillness that you can’t really get anywhere else. You get to enjoy what’s around and really reflect.”

The students then enjoyed a winding downhill hike with a jaw-dropping view of Mount Diablo, having spent a full school day learning and giving back to nature in the foothills of Mount Diablo.

Our Conservation Collaboration Agreement Program

Kids spend more time indoors than they ever have before; one study concluded that the average American youth spends less unstructured time outside than the average prisoner.

It can be difficult for anyone to care about the environment if they don’t feel connected with it. If we don’t get the next generation outdoors, then how can we expect them to prioritize a healthy environment and seek solutions to the climate crisis?

Time spent in nature is associated with countless physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits.

As they feel more motivated and connected with nature, people feel more motivated to protect and steward it.

Helping kids give back and make an impact can give them a purpose in a world that can feel out of control. Every tree planted and weed removed helps heal the earth and shows how one person can make an impact in the world.

Giving the next generation more opportunities to spend time in nature now will yield a lifetime of benefits, and build our community’s strength to protect the mountain that we hold so near and dear.