Feedback from students, parents, and participants

"I learned all about the plants and I liked the horsetail plants because they lived back in the dinosaur time." -- Jackie, 3rd grade

"My favorite plant was the Mules ear because I did not know they used it as toilet paper and I did not know they used it as a baby diapers." -- Allie, 3rd grade

"I learned so much I just forgot I was in school and just had a great time learning." -- Emily, 3rd grade

"I felt as if I was a real archeologist when I was digging and I felt like an Indian while making rope." -- Anna, 3rd grade

"I think SNARL is a cool place!" -- Pedro, 3rd grade

"I enjoyed making rope so much that I went home and made two more!" -- Allison, 3rd grade

"As a parent, it was wonderful to see my child entranced in nature, have so much fun and build lasting relationships. The outdoor science program enabled him to experience nature first-hand and not just from inside a classroom. I have seen an incredible increase in his interest in science since taking these classes." -- JoBeth Brown, parent

"Working with the outdoor science program and watching children learn the wonder, the complexities and interconnectedness of nature has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. This program instills a conservation ethic that will last throughout their lives and this ethic will only improve the world we live in. It gives me a sense hope and joy that these children will become the adults that we will entrust with our conservation heritage in the future." -- JoBeth Brown, Public Information Officer, Inyo National Forest, USDA

"After taking the anthropology class my son spent hours making bows and arrows out of willow and string and practiced shooting them at a target. He is able to name edible plants as we hike through the forest. He loved sleeping outside in the wikiup (sic). This class was a highlight of his summer." -- Judy Burgenbaugh, parent & classroom teacher

"My daughter used to think bugs were scary and disgusting. Now she names their body parts and is fascinated observing them. After a recent class she gave me a tour of Valentine Reserve and shared interesting information about trees, bears, fish and other wildlife that live on the Reserve." -- Judy Burgenbaugh, parent & classroom teacher

"One of my favorite memories is the six year old boy "draped" over the bench listening (we hope) to the morning introduction at the benches, THEN....we went into the forest turning over fallen logs looking for insects and he came ALIVE with enthusiasm, searching and helping classmates. I imagine he never passes a rock or log without looking to see what is living there." -- Fran Kelly, volunteer Outdoor Ed. teacher's aide

"I like to see children excited about science, task centered, and working with their hands and brains. It's a very positive program. I wish every child could have this education experience." -- Edyth Irvine, volunteer Outdoor Ed. aide, retired elementary school teacher

"My kids have done several classes here and they absolutely love them and look forward to them each summer. We all think Valentine Reserve is a magical place. I hope the program continues for years to come because I think it has been so valuable for all the kids. -- Lee Ann Wood, parent

"Outdoor science camp is very fun and it is interesting learning about all the animals and I like the people who work here. I think when my brothers come here again they will really have the best time of their life." -- Kelsy , 5th grade

"I like learning about botany and the rings on the trees. It is great for kids to learn about the outdoors." -- Christine, 5th grade

"I like the fact that we get to see animals. -- Alek, 2nd grade

"I really enjoy experiencing nature. The program is really great and I hope to come back next year." -- Emily, 9th grade

"My child is learning things about nature that I don't even know, and I love that." -- Nancy Fiddler, parent

"I like the Douglas Tree Squirrels and I like them a lot." -- Laurel, 2nd grade

"I just love being on the Reserve. I love working with the kids and our outdoor art experiences. This is a wonderful place for the teachers as well as for the kids." -- Janice Richardson, Outdoor Ed. instructor & classroom teacher

"Every day is a new adventure" -- Sherry Taylor, Outdoor Ed. instructor

Page last updated Sunday, October 03, 2004