Biology Students Explore Natural History of Southern California On a recent spring break trip, 12 students explored the natural history of Southern California on the Biology Field Trip (BIO 3072) with Profs. Mike Blust and Jim Graves. In this 9-day field-intensive experience, students developed observation skills, learned about flora and fauna in ecosystems ranging from Sonoran Desert to Live Oak Woodlands, observed conservation problems and solutions in a region rich in endemic species, and conducted field research. Before the trip, the class discussed Bakker’s An Island Called California, and each student searched additional literature on a topic of interest and designed a study. For example, they asked, “Do lizards show a preference for cool microsites in a warm environment?” and “What factors influence distance between shrubs in desert and chaparral communities?” Solving problems with these studies in the field provided students with some of their best learning experiences. Trip highlights included a walk through the sparsely leafy and flowering desert to a palm oasis, Great Horned Owls hollering from the sandstone cliffs over Joshua Trees and Junipers, and a Darwinian experience on Santa Cruz Island where isolation has yielded a curious world of little Island Foxes, large Island Scrub Jays, and Giant Coreopsis. The students will present research findings from this trip on Friday, April 13, starting at 2:30 pm. Location will be announced soon. Front Page		WEEK AT A GLANCE MONDAY, APR. 2 Registration for Fall Semester All day Belly Dancing 7 - 8 p.m., Bogue Movement Rm. TUESDAY, APR. 3 Registration for Fall Semester All day Guided Relaxation/Meditation 12:30 - 1 p.m., Wellness Center Power Yoga 4 - 5 p.m., Bogue Movement Credo Christe 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Ackley Chapel WEDNESDAY, , MAR. 28 Registration for Fall Semester All day Pilates 9 - 10 a.m., Bogue Movement Community Conversation 3 - 3:30 p.m., Withey Lobby Cardio Kickboxing 5:30 - 7 p.m., Bogue Movement Rm. Live Music: Elza 9 - 11 p.m., The Gorge THURSDAY, APR. 4 Registration for Fall Semester All day Power Yoga 4 - 5 p.m., Bogue Movement Rm. Student Colloquium Series 4 - 5 p.m., YES! Coffee House FRIDAY, APR. 5 Registration for Fall Semester All day Gentle Yoga 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Bogue Movement Rm. Easter Break Begins If you have news, announcements, or events to publicize in the GMC Journal, please e-mail materials to gmcjournal@greenmtn.edu or send through campus mail to the Communications Office, Richardson House. All materials subject to editorial approval by the College Communications Office.