10/08/2026
Yesterday, Lead Outdoor Educator, Molly Daly, and I welcomed students from the EcoLogik Institute for a deep dive into watersheds and water quality. While the initial intent was for them to test the water along our creeks and ponds, we knew we had to give them the full, immersive Volcan Mountain experience.
We kicked off the adventure by hiking the Sky Island Trail, where they learned about big-cone Douglas firs, white firs, and Coulter pines, forest succession after a wildfire, and how a standing "snag forest" is important to the ecosystem.
When we reached the viewpoint, the landscape became our ultimate teaching tool, showing the students exactly how mountain topography shapes and guides the flow of water. It was also a great place to talk about how thermals are used by vultures and hawks.
The highlight of the day was when students put their heads in the headwaters, connecting directly with the very source of water they came to study.
Afterward, they used VMF’s interactive watershed map and tested the water at the pond. We wrapped up the day with a quiet walk along the watershed trail, letting the flowing water have the final word.
What a day!
Suzie Meyer
Engagement Coordinator
