For Immediate Release
September 29, 2009

Field Studies explore ‘California’s greatest hits’

Gary Arce, who has been guiding Field Geology classes through UCR Extension for more than 10 years, refers to the various destinations as “California’s greatest hits.”

“We’re hitting the high points of California. All of them are beautiful, unique and geologically interesting in every way,” said Arce, who takes students to Mammoth Mountain, Yosemite, Death Valley and along the San Andreas Fault.

Geology is one of three Specialized Study Programs in Field Studies offered by UCR Extension in addition to Botany and Ornithology. Students may also take courses and earn certificates in Field and Desert Ecology.

Arce’s first trip of the season will be Aug. 29 and 30 when students will learn about the geology and volcanic hazards of the Mammoth Mountain region.

Students can choose to camp or stay in local motels on the weekend outings. There’s a minimum of walking.

“We try to look at features that are relatively close to the roadways,” Arce said.

When asked it he got tired of going to the same places, Arce, who has traveled extensively, said, “Actually, we’re going to some of my all time favorite places in the word. I appreciate the beauty and it’s satisfying to see the interest of my students come alive. It’s brand new for them. I can see their eyes light up when they experience something they’ve never experienced before.”

Arce said a lot of his students marvel at not only how beautiful but how geologically significant Death Valley is.

“In my opinion, it’s more interesting than the Grand Canyon,” said Arce, who earned his bachelor’s degree in Geology from UCLA and his master’s from University of Alaska.

When he guides his students along the San Andreas Fault from San Bernardino to Palmdale, many are surprised at how close it is to developed areas, how many people live on top of the fault and its impact on recent California history.

Arce, who teaches geology and chemistry at Apple Valley High School, got started conducting Field Studies courses after taking his high school students on a field trip along the San Andreas Fault. One of the adult chaperones suggested he put together a tour for adults. He submitted his proposal to UCR Extension and has been leading classes ever since.

Randy Coleman and his wife, Ginger, have taken just about every Field Studies course offered by UCR Extension.

Coleman, a civil engineer and consultant for new development based in Apple Valley, said the courses provide a good background for his work.

“We provide the environmental engineering and planning for new projects. So I need to understand the environment, the protected plants and endangered species,” Coleman said.

Even as a child, Coleman loved the desert, so it’s beauty and the variety of species are not surprising to him.

“For most people, the surprise is seeing stuff and not realizing such a diversity of animal life and plant life in the desert,” he said.

“Most people think the desert is a vast wasteland and that we need to put solar towers and wind panels everywhere. I’m not in favor of that personally.”

Coleman said he probably has earned half a dozen certificates including Desert Ecology, Geology and Ornithology.

For further information about the Field Studies classes go to www.extension.ucr.edu or call 951-827-5804.