This summer, Ascend Wilderness Experience led an unforgettable five-day Teen Field Science Trip deep into the heart of Northern California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. The expedition brought together eight adventurous teens, two experienced guides, and a professional botanist, creating a dynamic and immersive outdoor classroom that stretched over 30+ miles of remote trails and through some of the most biologically rich areas of the Klamath Mountains.
The group hiked through alpine basins, meandered past snowmelt-fed streams, and explored high-elevation ecosystems around Horseshoe Lake, Ward Lake, and Landers Lake.
In the Parker Creek drainage off Swift Creek, the teens participated in real-world ecological monitoring, joining forces with botanists from Cal Poly to establish vegetation plots for scientific study, and were joined by Michael Kauffmann—author, educator, ecologist, and founder of the Bigfoot Trail Alliance—whose passion for wild plants and wilderness education is contagious. Using the relevé method, they identified and recorded all plant species within specific plot boundaries. This classic ecological survey technique helps document biodiversity, monitor changes in plant communities, and detect the presence of rare or endemic species. The students helped flag plot corners, take measurements, and learn the careful process of distinguishing plant species—some of which they were seeing for the very first time.
The work wasn’t just about species identification—it was a masterclass in ecological relationships. The botanists explained how plant communities shift with elevation, exposure, soil type, and climate, and encouraged teens to ask questions and explore the deeper "why" behind what they observed. That curiosity was rewarded: the group encountered rare wildflowers and unusual high-elevation tree species, providing moments of awe and discovery that no textbook can replicate.
Solitude monitoring was also a key part of the adventure. Teens learned to observe and log signs of human presence on the trail—an essential practice in wilderness management and conservation. These quiet moments of reflection were often when deeper conversations emerged, with students and guides asking the visiting scientists about their paths into botany and ecology. Each story was different—one started out as a hobby forager, another stumbled into botany after taking an elective class—but all shared a common theme: a love for the outdoors that blossomed into a meaningful, impactful career.
As much as the teens learned, the experience was just as enriching for the guides and scientists. “Watching the students interact with the botanists, seeing their excitement grow as they began to recognize plants and understand ecosystems—it was powerful,” one guide reflected. “This is how careers are sparked. This is how you plant seeds of stewardship and curiosity that can last a lifetime.”
In addition to the scientific exploration and hiking, the teens enjoyed plenty of fun and bonding time throughout the trip. After long days on the trail and in the field, they cooled off with refreshing swims in the pristine alpine lakes and creeks, some brave enough to jump into the icy waters more than once! Evenings were filled with laughter, shared meals, and late-night games that brought the group closer together. Around the campfire and under the stars, they also engaged in meaningful discussions about Leave No Trace principles, learning how to minimize their impact on the wilderness and why ethical outdoor practices are essential to preserving these wild places for future generations. These moments of connection and reflection added balance to the trip, making it not just educational but deeply enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.
The Teen Field Science Trip wasn't just an adventure through the Trinity Alps—it was a journey into the living world of science, ecology, and possibility. For many participants, it marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with nature and the sciences that help us understand and protect it.
This incredible journey would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors, grant providers such as National Forest Foundation, RAC grant with the U.S. Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and the Outdoor Equity Programs grant, and program partners—including the U.S. Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Cal Poly Humboldt, Michael Kauffmann, and Elizabeth McGee. We’re especially grateful to the eight enthusiastic teens who brought curiosity and energy to every step of the adventure, and to the two dedicated guides who supported, mentored, and inspired them throughout the entire trip.
This program funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
The National Forest Foundation works on behalf of the American public to inspire personal and
meaningful connections to our National Forests. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF leads forest conservation efforts and promotes responsible recreation. Each year the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, facilitates common ground, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease and improves recreational opportunities. The NFF believes our National Forests and all they offer are an American treasure and are vital to the health of our communities. Learn more at nationalforests.org.