San Diego County is one of the most physically and biologically diverse regions in all of western North America, making it an excellent place for the study of physical geography. From the coast, to the canyons, to the mountains, to the desert, there is no shortage of opportunities to enhance what is learned in class through direct experience of the local environment. This assignment is designed to further your understanding and appreciation of physical geography within the context of our home region.

One of the best ways to experience this local diversity is to participate in a community sponsored activity that focuses on one or more aspects of the local physical environment. There are a number of community organizations that regularly host conferences, hikes, workshops, field trips, lectures, or other activities that complement the study of physical geography in San Diego County. For this assignment, you are to choose one such activity to attend, take notes of your experience, follow-up with additional research on one or more of the topics covered during the activity, and finally, write up an analysis that summarizes what you learned and how this additional knowledge has contributed to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local and physical environment. Activity length will vary, but you should expect to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours at your chosen activity to fulfill the requirements listed below.

Project parameters are as follows:

1. Project must be sponsored by a local community organization, must be relevant to physical geography, and must be local in scope (San Diego County, Baja California north of 32^nd parallel.)

1. Written analysis must be 3-5 pages, typed, double spaced using 12-point font, and include the following:

• An abstract highlighting the main topics of discussion within the context of the local physical environment;

• A synopsis of how what you learned fits into the bigger picture themes being discussed in class (i.e. how does it relate to Earth processes, cycles, and systems.)

• A discussion of how what you learned complements and/or expands upon your understanding and appreciation of the local physical environment, including citations of sources drawn upon from your follow-up research.

• A bibliography listing sources of reference from your follow-up research. These references can be drawn from books, periodicals, scientific journals, or scientific sources on the Internet. Your bibliography should have a minimum of 3 references, all of which must be drawn from reputable scientific sources.

In addition, you will need to include verification of attendance (ticket stub, verification of registration, etc.) when you turn in your written analysis. This assignment is worth 30 points (10% of your grade) and if you choose to do an additional project, you will be eligible for up to 10 points extra credit. Please check the Syllabus for the due date on this assignment.

The best way to find out about community sponsored activities that are appropriate for this assignment is through the Internet. There are activities listed on the website at http://www.rei.com– look under “Volunteer” and put in your zip code to find something near your home. Most community organizations post information about upcoming events on their websites. Below is a representative list of community organizations that regularly host activities appropriate for this assignment; check their websites frequently as they tend to update their information on a regular basis. This list is not fully comprehensive, so organizations other than those listed below may also host appropriate activities. Before attending the activity, please check with me to determine the appropriateness of your chosen activity.

Community organizations that sponsor local physical geography related activities:

• San Diego Natural History Museum

• San Diego Audubon Society

• San Diego Sierra Club

• City of San Diego Environmental Services Department

• California Native Plant Society, San Diego Chapter

• Mission Trails Regional Park

• Tijuana River Estuary Park

• Torrey Pines State Reserve

• Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary

• San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy

• Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation

• San Diego River Park Foundation

• San Dieguito River Park

• Otay River Park

• Tecolote Canyon Preserve

• Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography

• Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association

• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

• Anza-Borrego Foundation (Anza-Borrego Institute)

• US Forest Service—Cleveland National Forest

• Cabrillo National Monument

• San Diego National Wildlife Refuge

• San Diego Conservation Resource Network

• San Diego Fire Recovery Network

• Back Country Land Trust

• Any of the San Diego County’s colleges and universities (SDSU, CSSM, UCSD, USD, Community Colleges, etc.)

If you come across an organization or activity that is appropriate for this assignment but not listed above, please let me know so I can add it to the list. In addition, please let me know if you have any questions as you work through this assignment.