As part of the John Muir and the Environmental Movement history class, University of the Pacific students embarked on a weekend field trip to California's renowned Yosemite National Park to deepen their understanding of the park's history, culture and natural beauty.

The trip included 20 students and four faculty members from various disciplines, including Mike Wurtz, university archivist and associate professor; Lydia Fox, professor of geological and environmental sciences; Jessica Bilecki, sustainability director; and Joshua Salyers, assistant professor of Media X.

“The principal goal of the class is to get students to understand the connection with John Muir, but also to connect with the environment,” Wurtz said.

As part of the class, each student was given a journal, much like naturalist John Muir during his expeditions, to record observations and reflections, allowing them to connect with Yosemite’s landscape while deepening their understanding of history, nature, and sustainability.

“Being in this environment made me realize how valuable nature is and how we need to protect it. So, taking this class has been a great opportunity,” said Danny Udermann ’25.