Stanford SEEDS and the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve have worked together with Redwood High School to implement an experiential ecology education program. The Redwood Environmental Academy of Leadership (REAL) is designed to bring underserved high school students out of the classroom and into the outdoors to create a unique and effective learning experience. Though the program focuses on riparian ecosystem restoration, the course curriculum is interdisciplinary and designed to inspire continuation high school students to attend college or pursue environmental careers. Through a SEEDS special grant, REAL students were taken to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Half Moon Bay, California, to learn about marine ecology and intertidal ecosystems at a minus tide. Redwood High School students were joined by their teachers and Stanford faculty and students to study the adaptations of intertidal organisms to their harsh environment.  

Results/Conclusions

SEEDS and REAL were able to evaluate the success of the field trip by comparing the students’ knowledge of intertidal habitat, the nature of the ocean ecosystems, plants, animals, and reproduction both before and after the trip. This opportunity provides insight into the effectiveness of experiential education for the REAL program and recommendations for future ecology outreach programs.