Summer is a great time to take advantage of the many immersion opportunities available through UW-Eau Claire!

Recently, students from a variety of majors, including computer science, education, geography and English traveled to California to learn about the geography of Yosemite National Park. The group spent several days inside and outside the park learning about many aspects of Yosemite, including safety.

Take a look at their experiences as documented by Blugold grad and photography intern Heidi Giacalone.

During the orientation hike, Dr. Harry Jol explains the diverse peoples who played a role in the history of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Blugold Natalie Donovan stands in the expanse of trees during an orientation hike in the Yosemite Valley.

Students hike across a moraine in Yosemite National Park.

Isabella Meyer looks out on the Yosemite Valley.

Gunnar Sund looks up at Bridalveil Fall.

Students learn about how the Indians of the Valley used a slab of stone to grind acorns and other seeds into meal, slowly forming the cup shaped depressions in the stone that can still be seen today.

Trip facilitators Dr. Harry Jol and Dr. Stephanie Turner review the route for the hike up Vernal and Nevada Falls.

Student Luke Anderson carefully ascends the mist trail to the top of Vernal Falls.

Roz Cashman, Derek Lindquist, Lukas Carlson, Gunner Sund, Isabella Meyer, Jared Stone, Natalie Donovan and Alex Kleinschmidt pose for a photo at the top of Vernal Falls.

The group pauses for a group photo during the hike to the top of Nevada Falls.

Harry Jol, Gunnar Sund and Lukas Carlson begin to descend Nevada Falls.

Isabella Meyer views Yosemite Valley wildlife through a monocular.

The group learns about the evolution of the Yosemite landscape and how geology influences the biology of the valley with Erik Westerlund.

During a guided hike by Erik Westerlund, the group learns about the evolution of the Yosemite landscape and how geology influences the biology of the valley.

Learn more about immersion opportunities available by visiting http://www.uwec.edu/academics/explore-opportunities/cultural-immerson/