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The Challenge:
The goal of this project is to bring students from different backgrounds together to share common experiences in nature. We, the students, share the freedom to choose and develop the trip we will take.
This year, we are visiting three national parks in two different states: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico; Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas; and Big Bend National Park, Texas. We will share our interpretations of each experience with our peers and develop tangible products to help share those experiences with the SAU community in Arkansas after we return.
Who are we?
We are a group of students from the College of Science and Engineering who enjoy the outdoors and experiencing wild-life adventures. Some of us are interested in natural science careers, while others simply enjoy being out in nature. We come from across the region and have a broad range of financial backgrounds. Some of us are only in college because of the generosity of SAU scholarships & financial aid. Most of us have not traveled far from Arkansas and this opportunity will help us to experience the sights, sounds, and natural phenomena a bit farther from home.
The Impact
This expedition will help open the eyes of SAU students to new ecosystems beyond Arkansas. We will bring those experiences to the SAU community during a public presentation of our course projects once we return. Our final projects/products will be put on display to educate the public about our adventures in the national parks.
You can help!
Because this is the first time this course is being taught, we are having to purchase all of our supplies from scratch. The funds raised will help pay for the cost of travel to New Mexico and West Texas, and tents and other camping items, supplies for the final products, and group activities that require a fee.
Help us share our project!
Help us take a walk in the parks! Our class is taking a trip to three national parks and we need your help. Funds donated will go towards travel, hiking & camping gear, food, and other much needed supplies.
Thank you!
Thank you! Your support means the world to us and is helping us to see the world. Keep an eye out for your invitation for a special Q&A session to immediately follow the community unveiling of our group projects. In addition, we will send a special thank-you gift that represents one of the three National Parks.
A donation at this level will purchase the admissions fee for a cave tour in Carlsbad Caverns National Park for one SAU student.
A donation at this level will purchase one head lamp and two pairs of rechargeable batteries for a student.
Give a dollar for every mile the Rio Grande runs along the southern boundary of Big Bend National Park.
This donation level will help purchase a tent for 2 students to share during our 5 night stay in New Mexico and Texas.
This level of assistance will ensure our group stays hydrated and fed by purchasing a camp-stove, hydration pack, and cook-set.
Your donation at this level will cover the cost of transportation and lodging for one student to attend the entire trip!