THIS LAND IS [Y]OUR LAND: PUBLIC LANDS IN THE AMERICAN WEST

The US federal government owns 30% of the land in the United States. How is that land used? Who is accessing this land today? In this program, we explore issues of water rights, drilling, river conservation, drought, native lands, and recreation through immersion in some of the US’s most spectacular public lands.

Learning Objectives

Understand the policies and governance structure of public lands in the American West historically and also today.

Demonstrate critical consciousness about the various interests and conflicts surrounding resource management of water, soil, plant & animal species, and cultural sites.

Understand what public lands are through lived experience (visiting).

Lenses of Inquiry

Water

What role do rivers play in sustaining our public lands?

Heritage

If public lands are for everyone, who is actually accessing the land today?

Special Interests

What role have corporations played in the maintenance and development or protection of public lands?

Places and Activities

This program is flexible, and can be offered in 8 or 10 day itineraries.

DAYS 1-2: GETTING OUR BEARINGS – Los Angeles

We arrive to Los Angeles and begin with a hike to the Griffith Observatory to understand the vast expanse of the city, before visits to LA City Commission on Animals to learn about land bridges, and to CA’s BLM Desert District Office.

DAYS 2-4: INTO THE WILD

We meet with the CA Association of Tribal Governments before heading to the Seven Oaks Dam. We continue on to Joshua Tree for an overnight, hike, and short solo experience.

DAYS 5-8: PARKS AND WIDE OPEN SPACES

We move from Joshua Tree to Death Valley National Park and onwards up to Yosemite. Along the way, we hike, meet with advocates and conservationists, and learn about the history of Parks preservation.

DAYS 9-10: CLOSING THE LOOP – San Francisco

We meet with experts at Cal Berkeley’s campus, try famous SF local fare, and celebrate the end of the program with a program debrief at Point Reyes National Seashore.

Let’s work together

“Envoys was at the top of their game from start to finish. What initially interested me was their focus on curriculum during pre-departure meetings and the program itself. Envoys cares deeply about the experience of the participants and faculty. [They] constantly ask for constructive criticism and make changes when necessary.”

— Joe Vogel , Executive Director, Global Education Benchmark Group

“The team at Envoys did their very best to ensure that the the “i’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed.” The staff was also quick to respond to any and all questions that arose prior, during and after the trip. My husband and I greatly appreciated the time Envoys took to provide preparation tips as well the planned activity schedules to help make our child’s South African trip a safe and memorable adventure.”

— Regina J. , Parent, Dalton South Africa 2014

“[Envoys] knows kids extremely well…they know how to be cool with them while still commanding authority and establishing ground rules…I was incredibly impressed with the protocols established and put in place by Envoys.”

— Micah M. , Traveling Faculty, Friends Seminary Peru 2015