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

“Every single person working for Envoys is excellent and committed to the kids and their experience, not just during the trip, but before and after. We would recommend Envoys to anyone looking for a high quality and enriching summer experience.”

— Amy G. , Parent, Envoys Malawi 2014 & 2015

“The Envoys Staff were exceptionally committed to us and to the goals of our trip. They were thoughtful, kind, caring, friendly, with great sense of humor, yet serious in their connection to the ethos of professional development that was our trip’s purpose. I was struck over and over again by how they literally RAN to be in the right place to respond to any given situation.”

— Constance , Traveling Faculty, Friends Seminary Colombia 2016

“I can honestly say that this was the best 10 days of my entire life. I feel as though I have grown as a person, and that I have made lifelong connections. This experience changed my life, so thank you very much to the entire Envoys staff!”

— Eliza C. , Student, Hingham Japan 2015