California State Parks Awards $447,000 Plumas Charter

Rachel goes

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Plumas Charter School’s outdoor education program received a $447,000 grant from the California State Parks Outdoor Equity Program. The goal of the program is to increase the ability of residents of underserved communities to participate in outdoor experiences in state parks and other public lands.

Outdoor Education Coordinator Courtney Gomola wrote the grant proposal focusing on Indian Valley to address the trauma caused by the Dixie Fire. “Through this grant, we hope to help students overcome wildfire trauma by reconnecting outdoors in low-stress activities locally and taking them to natural areas in other parts of the state. where they don’t have negative stories,” she said.

Gomola met with PCS students, parents and site managers to define the key points of the after-fire program. In addition to rediscovering nature and developing outdoor skills, she stressed that they “will also work with students and community members to take an active role in restoring the ecosystem and rebuilding a sense of belonging to Indian Valley”.

The grant will fund a program coordinator and assistant in addition to activities and field trips. Some highlights include camping trips to state and national parks, planting native saplings and flower seedlings on burned properties, monthly skills classes, wilderness first aid certifications, winter sports in Coppervale and many other outdoor opportunities.

While the program focuses on Indian Valley, PCS students from Chester and Quincy will be invited to participate as space allows. “We are already seeing the traumatic effects of the fire on our older students and that it is present but latent in our younger students. By offering this multi-year program to develop understanding and skills in outdoor education and recreation, we hope to create opportunities for all participants involved to rediscover nature as a place of joy, healing and peace. , and continue to cultivate these bonds into adulthood. “, said Gomola.

To learn more about Plumas Charter School, visit www.plumascharterschool.org.

Rachel Goings is Plumas Charter School’s Public Relations Specialist