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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation AreaFinding your way is not always easy. But, wildlife biologists are studying the ways animals find their way in this urban mtn range.
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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
National Park Labs:
Studies of Wildland Fire Ecology

Students use hands on science to gain an better understanding of fire's effects on the resources in the mountains.The Wildland Fire Ecology program is a high school curriculum-based program that allows students to observe and measure affects of wildfire in the chaparral community of the Santa Monica Mountains.

The program requires teachers to attend a training workshop. Afterwards their classes are provided equipment and training needed to conduct air, land, and water experiments at various park sites. These areas range from sites not burned in more than 50 years to sites recently burned.

Students will learn process skills used by resource management personnel. Creativity and problem solving abilities will be emphasized. They will also discover the importance of fire and its impact on natural
resources and their lives.

Two in-field visits are scheduled per class throughout the school year. Each lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

 

The Teachers manual contains:

Guidelines: lesson description, vocabulary, materials, and protocols.
Handouts: includes background information for lessons. Worksheet for that lesson.
Worksheets: classroom and fieldtrip

Click here to download the Wildland Fire Ecology Teachers' Manual now (PDF-2M).

 
Charlie Cooke, hereditary Chief of the Chumash played an important role in making sure 85 acres remained open space.  

Did You Know?
On June 13, 1980, Charlie Cooke, hereditary Chief of the Chumash and concerned citizens fulfilled a dream-- a place for families to explore our natural world and learn about the Chumash. Satwiwa in Newbury Park, CA celebrates the beauty of the mountains and all Native American cultures.

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Last Updated: March 08, 2009 at 18:48 EST