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Experiencing biodiversity out west

Home : SWU News : Experiencing biodiversity out west

Experiencing biodiversity out west

    06.03.19 | Science

    Dr. Jeffrey Moore, associate professor of biology, along with Dr. Patty Hovis, associate professor of exercise science, took a group of 18 students out west for the Biological Studies of the Ecology of California. The students consisted of majors in Biology, Environmental Science, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood, Physical Education and Chemistry.  

    Their travel destinations included several national parks in California, including Death Valley, Sequoiah and Yosemite; as well as a trip to the Pacific coast, including Monterey Bay, breathtaking views and encounters with seals.

    Here are some of the students’ reflections from the trip:

    "When we were riding from Monterey to a beach campground three or so hours up the highway. For most of the drive was the rocky blue ocean and cow pastures with mountains in the background." - Jonathan LeClair

    "Spending nearly 2 weeks camping and exploring was an absolutely amazing experience. I don’t know that I would ever have an opportunity like this where I could explore so much of California and be able to take so much away without this class." - Madelyn Edwards

    Monica Keever (foreground) aims her camera phone for a group shot at Death Valley National Park.

    Exploring Death Valley.

    "The falls in Yosemite were absolutely stunning, and something I’ll never forget the sight of." - Broadwell Taylor

    "One of my favorite places on the trip was the top of Moro Rock at Sequoia National Park. After nearly 400 steps, we made it to the top of the stairway, to the top of the rock. The whole climb up it was extremely foggy, but once we reached the top the fog cleared. It was at this moment that I felt God’s presence." - Madelyn Edwards

    “The idea that the General Sherman tree, the largest tree in the world, started from a seed in a pine cone the size of an egg, truly shows how God works in nature." - Samantha Calcutt

    Samantha Calcutt enjoys the breathtaking view at the top of Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park.

    "The sea lions, the otters, the elephant seals, the whales, seas turtles, and sting rays were all unreal. California is so full of such different and diverse life! Everywhere we looked, there was a change in the ecology and in the environment around us." - Monica Keever

    "I have always grown up going to the beach on the east coast with the fine, powdery sand beneath my feet. However, when we arrived at the Bay, I was honestly in awe. The sand was now rough and rocky and full of unique shells and rocks everywhere." - Monica Keever

    The group experienced weather extremes from the heat of Death Valley to the snow at Yosemite.

    "During the 2019 Wild West Biology trip with Dr. Mohr, and Dr. Hovis, I was able to experience and engage in God’s beautiful creation all around me through a variety of different locations." - Hannah Wilson

    Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.

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