Often, biology classes are bound to a lab, but at San Diego Mesa College, students
get a chance to see what it’s like out in the field. In 2022, Mesa College received
a grant from the National Science Foundation to fund programs that work to engage
students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Since then,
professors Dean Leavitt and Daniela Bruckman have led annual weekend-long field excursions
out into the wilds of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to teach students about desert
natural history and help them develop skills in ecological field methods.
During the March 2024 Mesa College biology field excursion 25 students enrolled in
the Introduction to the Biological Sciences II (Biol 210B) made Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego
Desert Research Center on the west side of the park their homebase. The center is
part of the University of California Natural Reserve System network of natural areas
throughout California and is run by the University of California, Irvine.
As the largest state park in California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park forms much
of the eastern edge of San Diego County. The park’s unique mix of mountain, desert,
slot canyons, silt deposits, and oasis features reflect tumultuous and rich history
of geologic, evolutionary, and human-made change, while also making it an excellent
location for biologic study. Additionally, it is home to a rich fossil record and
history of human habitation by the Kumeyaay and Cahuilla people and their ancestors.
One of the main aspects of the expedition was hands-on research. Across two days,
students conducted an intensive study of the state of pollinators, pollinating plants,
and their biomes, studied the nearby soil and identified pollinating insects and birds
around the plant, and received training in data analysis to bring their work full
circle. Some students even completed original research in Anza-Borrego, then presented
in May at the Mesa College Research Conference.
“The students were so enthusiastic and engaged with pollinator observations, flower
tagging, and insect identification,” said Professor Bruckman. “It was very gratifying
to watch their love for nature grow in real time.”
The trip wasn’t all work and no fun. Additional activities included group hikes of
the Calcite Slot Canyon, wildflower fields, and the iconic Borrego Palm Canyon. For
students, being together with people who share their interests — both classmates and
professionals — allowed them to make connections while also expanding their knowledge.
One student commented: "Some of the best parts of the trip for me were ... having
the opportunity to make meaningful connections with my classmates that I might not
have been able to without this trip.”
While the field excursions to Anza-Borrego occur relatively infrequently, biology
faculty also take students for local field trips that take up only a single lab period.
“I usually take students out to Mission Trails Regional Park to learn about native
plant ecology and we have a field trip to the Birch Aquarium for students to observe
the diversity of animal taxonomy in living systems,” shared Professor Bruckman.
During weekend-long and short local excursions, students can do real-world research,
learn from professionals, and get inspired by the wonder of the natural world. For
many, these trips further motivate them to learn more about the planet and pursue
careers in science.
To learn more about the Mesa College Biology Program and opportunities to join upcoming
field excursions, visit: https://www.sdmesa.edu/academics/v2/programs/biology/
Tags: Ecology, Field Trip, LatestNews, Biology
