Environmental Encounters: California National Parks
Summer 2027 Dates: June 1-14, 2027
Program Locations
California National Parks visited: Yosemite, Sequoia, and King's Canyon
This adventurous two-week summer program focuses on environmental issues in the U.S. National Parks. Visiting Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, students will learn first-hand about the history of the national parks, current issues in ecology and conservation, and key debates in environmental ethics. Drawing on preliminary readings, instructor lectures, park ranger tours, and on-site activities (e.g., rock climbing, meadow restoration, flora and fauna hikes, etc.), students will gain an understanding of the key environmental issues facing our National Parks today.
How to Apply
Email Dr. Balay and/or Dr. Redick to schedule an interview. Deadline: November 1, 2026.
Dr. Joe Balay: joe.balay@cnu.edu
Dr. Kip Redick: kredick@cnu.edu
Course Information
3 credits
Can count for: PHIL 370, PHIL 376, EVST 220, EVST 395, ENGL 393 or elective credit
Sample Itinerary
June 1:
- 8 a.m. - Depart Norfolk International Airport.
- 1:44 p.m. - Arrive in Fresno at
- 3 p.m. - Group congregates
- Van pickup from Enterprise at Airport.
- Drive to Yosemite.
- Check into Curry Village Tent Cabins.
- 6 p.m. - Group Dinner and Discussion Curry Village
June 2:
- Breakfast on your own.
- 9 a.m. - Mist Trail hike.
- Noon - lunch.
- 2 p.m. - Afternoon tour the wilderness, science, and native American cultural centers.
- 6 p.m. - Group dinner and Discussion
- 7:30 p.m. - Ranger talk at Curry Village Amphitheatre.
June 3:
- Breakfast on your own.
- 9 a.m. - Depart for Tuolumne/Tioga ecology tour with guide. Bring lunch.
- Dinner on own.
- 9 p.m. - Night bioluminescence tour.
June 4:
- Breakfast on your own.
- 9 a.m. - Depart for Hetch Hetchy Tour.
- Bring lunch.
- Evening free.
- Dinner on your own.
June 5:
- Breakfast on your own.
- 8:30 a.m. - Depart for Glacier Point tour
- Bring lunch.
- Hike back down from Glacier point to Sentinel beach.
- Shuttle back.
- 6 p.m. - Group Dinner and discussion at Curry Village.
June 6:
- Breakfast on own.
- 830 a.m. - Rock Climbing meet at Yosemite Valley Lodge bring your lunch.
- Dinner on own.
- 9 p.m. - full moonbow night hike Lower Yosemite Falls.
June 7:
- Breakfast on own.
- 9:30 a.m. - Depart to Mariposa Grove Sequoias (Grizzly Giant Loop Trail hike); Afternoon Rafting on Merced River.
- 6 p.m. - Dinner and Group Discussion.
June 8:
- Breakfast on own.
- 10 a.m. - Check out of Curry Village.
- Drive to Sequoia. Pick up Supplies/Snacks on way.
- Check into Wuksachi Lodge.
- 6 p.m. - Group Dinner and Discussion Wuksachi lodge patio.
June 9:
- Breakfast on own.
- 9 a.m. - Depart to Lodgepole. Tokopah Falls trail hike. Lunch after.
- 1p.m. - Giant Forest and Congress Trail hike.
- Dinner on your own.
June 10:
- Breakfast on your own.
- 8:30 a.m. - Departure to lodgepole.
- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Giant Sequoia Round Meadow Restoration Service Project.
- Afternoon/evening free.
June 11:
- Breakfast on your own.
- 9 a.m. - Departure to Kings Canyon. General Grant Trail. Zumalt Meadow trail. Kings Canyon Visitor Center and Lunch.
- 2 p.m. - Return
- Dinner on our own.
- 9 p.m. - Star gazing tour from Wuksachi.
June 12:
- Breakfast on your own.
- 9 a.m. Departure to Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow.
- Noon - lunch break.
- 2 p.m. - Crystal Cave tour.
- 6 p.m. - Group Dinner and Discussion.
June 13:
- 2 p.m. - check-out of Wuksachi Lodge, Sequioa.
- Drive to Fresno. Van Dropoff.
- 11 p.m. - Fresno Flight departure
June 14:
- 10 a.m. - Arrive at Norfolk International Airport
Program Fee
$2,500 - $4,000 depending on group size (plus applicable CNU Tuition)
Program fee covers:
- On-site lodging
- Transportation costs
- All entrance and tour fees
Program fee does not cover:
- Food
- Food costs vary significantly depending on diet, taste, and dining experience preferences. Sit down meals in restaurants will be much higher than take-out options. This allows students to choose their own dietary experience.
- Airfare
- Airfare costs are much lower when purchased individually compared to group rates. We will recommend flight dates, times, and carriers. Students can choose the same flight as faculty if they prefer to travel together. The group will meet at the Fresno, California airport on June 1st and then travel together by private transportation to the parks.
Contact Us
For more information please contact:
Professor
Dr. Tracey T. Schwarze Professorship in the Humanities
McMurran Hall 261B