Joshua Tree National Park Service Learning Trip

Our Alternative Breaks trip is focused on environmental advocacy and environmental justice. We will be traveling to Joshua Tree National Park to work with park rangers on a variety of ongoing projects, such as the containment of invasive species and environmental reconstruction in destroyed ecosystems. The National Park Service works to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. Our objective is to serve and learn alongside park rangers in their goal, as well as learn about the governmental processes in place protecting the public spaces of the US.  

This year long program extends beyond the trip which lasts one week in March. In addition to the trip students in this program will meet once week, whether it be on NYU's campus or out and about around the city. During these meetings, site leaders Sydney and Casey bring in workshop leaders, as well as lead field trips, service outings, and reflections to deepen participants' knowledge and engagement with the trip focus, environmental advocacy and environmental justice. Sydney and Casey have already explored these themes through discussions of identity, explorations of different museum exhibits, and conversations about other environmental topics. We will continue and deepen this exploration through sustained meetings and activities before the trip.