ROOTS Students Explore Nature and Native American History at Mission Trails Regional Park

Date: May 18, 2024

Time: 10:30 AM

Location: Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego, CA

SAN DIEGO — ROOTS volunteers and refugee students spent May 18 exploring Mission Trails Regional Park during an educational field trip combining environmental science, local history, and outdoor recreation.

A park ranger joined the group to introduce participants to native plants found throughout the park and explain how local species have adapted to Southern California’s climate and environment. Students also learned about the Native American history connected to the area and the long relationship between Indigenous communities and the land.

Seeing native plants and historical locations firsthand offered students a different experience from ROOTS’ classroom-based STEM activities. Participants could walk through the landscape, ask questions, and connect new information directly with the environment around them.

The Mission Trails visit was part of ROOTS’ expanding field-trip program, which encourages students to discover that learning can take place in parks, laboratories, universities, museums, and throughout the community. Free lunch and snacks were provided, and students and volunteers also had time to enjoy the outdoors together.

About ROOTS

ROOTS, the Refugee Children’s Organization for Tech and Science, is a youth-led volunteer organization dedicated to expanding access to STEM education and enrichment opportunities for refugee children in San Diego. Through partnerships with refugee-serving organizations, schools, universities, and community institutions, ROOTS organizes free STEM camps, STEM Days, educational field trips, book drives, benefit concerts, and other programs designed to build curiosity, confidence, friendship, and community among young learners.