Cal-Wood Forests and Fire Field Research Experience
Program Dates: July 25-29, 2022
Location: Cal-Wood Education Center in Jamestown, CO
Cost: Thanks to support from CU Boulder’s Office of Outreach and Engagement, this field course is offered to motivated students at no cost.
CU Science Discovery and the Cal-Wood Education Center invite applications from interested high school students for this year’s Forests and Fire Field Research Experience. This 5-day, 4-night residential STEM field program will take place at Cal-Wood Education Center, near Jamestown. Throughout the week, participants will explore a variety of STEM fields as we study the recent Cal-Wood and Marshall Fires, with a goal of understanding how and why the fires burned as they did, and what steps we take next to help restore Cal-Wood’s forest. This year’s course will combine field science and engineering design projects with outdoor recreation activities and restoration service projects on Cal-Wood’s property.
Possible field science projects may include:
- Mapping the spread of last year’s wildfire
- Investigating bird/plant/mushroom diversity and abundance in burned vs. unburned areas of the forest
- Learning how drones and remote sensing are used to document the fire’s impact
- Engineering solutions to minimize soil erosion
- Reseeding burned areas
- Measuring tree rings to document trees’ unique histories
- Documenting the fire’s impact through art, photography and other media
In the afternoons, participants will have the opportunity to try outdoor recreation activities, such as hiking, biking, orienteering and rock climbing. Evenings will be filled with night hikes, campfires and hopefully, some star gazing, too!
Participants will stay overnight in tents at a group campsite and all meals will be provided by Cal-Wood’s dining hall. No previous camping experience is required; tents and gear will be provided by Cal-Wood. We will follow current COVID-19 safety guidelines as outlined by the County and State Public Health Departments.
Applications due by May 25, 2022.
Please note: As part of the application process, we’d like you to upload a short video (less than 3 minutes) about why you wish to participate in the Cal-Wood Fire Restoration program. Feel free to be creative, and as you're doing so, please address what you hope to get out of the experience and how you think participation in the program will impact you.
