VISTAS: Voyagers Investigating Sierras, Trails, and Seas is an expansion of the Youth Parkway Ambassadors (YPA) program designed to further students knowledge of the San Joaquin River ecosystem from the Sierras to the Sea. VISTAS gives students the opportunity to expand their outdoor and leadership skills while exploring outside the Central Valley and into the Sierras and the Sea that the San Joaquin River Watershed reaches.
During their experience, students will spend a night camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains near the San Joaquin River as well as a night camping near the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. During these camping trips, students will learn about the different ecosystems and how they are connected to the central valley. Along with the the camping trips, students spend three seperate field trip days exploring and learning about the San Joaquin River that may consist of a down river kayak tour, a trip to the San Joaquin Hatchery, and activities that support the creative process of their final capstone art project. Students spend 2 months working independently on their Capstone Project with the support the Trust staff. An invasive species removal event will teach students about the invasive species that are a threat to the San Joaquin River. Students will spend a morning removing invasive plant species with volunteers from the public and the support of the Trust' Restoration Technicians. This program ends with students presenting their final capstone project in the Historic Ranch House at the River Center.
Program Overview for Summer/Fall 2025 Cohort
10 participants (Targeted to Youth Parkway Ambassador Alumni)
June - October 2025
5 Month program, consisting of:
- 2 hour introductory orientation and discussion online- Two (1 night, 2 day) overnight camp-outs in the Sierras and in the Sea
-Three 6-hour local field days
-A 4-hour invasive species removal service-learning day
-Independent Capstone Art Project- A 4-hour Capstone Project Art Exhibit Event (5-hour program day for participants)
Capstone Project Art Exhibit
Date/Time: TBD
Location: River Center Ranch House (11605 N Friant Rd, Friant, CA)
At the capstone project art exhibit, students will present their art that reflects their experience during the VISTAS program. Family art station and activities will be available.
VISTAS was funded in 2023-2024 by the CA Coastal Commission's Whale Tail Grants Program
VISTAS will be funded in 2025 by Parks California
