Tag Archives: PUC forest

Fun in our Forest 

The PUC Demonstration and Experimental Forest is protected by a conservation easement in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) and the Land Trust of Napa County. As such, it will always remain forested and provide learning opportunities for PUC students as well as 35 miles of recreational trails—for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding—for students, college employees, and community members. The rich biodiversity of the PUC forest makes it especially valuable to conservationists and researchers. 

Our forest truly sets PUC apart and makes Angwin a unique and special place to live, learn, and grow. We encourage everyone on our campus to get out and explore our incredible forestlands. 

Keep an eye out for some these #ForestFinds:

Diogenes Lantern

Chosen as the school flower in 1924, the Diogenes Lantern is a special flower that requires the perfect weather, soil, and water combination to grow. PUC’s forest just happens to be an environment where they flourish.  

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Northern Spotted Owl

The northern spotted owl population has suffered from habitat loss which created a decline in spotted owl numbers, causing this species to be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in the 1980s. Helping to preserve their remaining habitat is one of the best ways to protect this species. That’s why it’s so exciting that the presence of spotted owls has been recorded in our forest on several occasions. 

 

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Sequoia Sempervirens

The coastal redwood is a unique type of redwood that spans from Monterey Bay to the Oregon border. The combination of geographic location and topography creates a special ecological niche allowing for the growth of a rare grove of coast redwoods.

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Experience a few of our favorite things:

Walk or Run the Trails 

The Back 40 is home to PUC’s most popular running trails. That’s a statement PUC’s cross country team, faculty, staff, students, and community members just looking to stay fit can attest to. Not interested in working up that much of a sweat? The trails are full of people just out for a nice walk to get some fresh air and sunshine.  

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Ride a Bike 

Whether you’re an avid rider, member of the PUC biking club, or just a casual rider, there are plenty of beautiful trails for you, including our favorite, the officially named Whoop-Dee-Doos. 

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Pet a Dog or Maybe a Horse

Studies show being in nature can reduce stress. Studies also show petting animals will do the same. One of the best things about being out and about in the PUC forest is coming across lots of pets to pet. Be sure to ask permission first!

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Did you know the PUC Forest has its own map and webpage? Visit puc.edu/forest for forest rules and guidelines and a downloadable map. 

You can also follow the forest on Instagram: @PUCForest and Facebook: /PUCForest.

If you have forest related questions contact PUC Forest Management at Forestry@puc.edu.

 

Nature Photography Day is for the Trees!

Nature Photography Day was this past weekend, June 15th! The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) created this day in 2006 as a way to encourage people to learn and enjoy capturing the beauty of nature through their cameras. One of the best things about attending PUC is being surrounded by incredible natural beauty. From the coast to the mountains, there’s so much to see and photograph while you’re here. So let’s take a look at some of our favorite #PUCAdventures.

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Gonna miss foggy mornings in the valley 🌫

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#SecondFavoriteTree

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To see more beautiful photos of life at the College on the Mountain, follow us on Instagram at @PUCNow.

Finding the Back 40

by Maria Rankin-Brown
Chair, Department of English

I’m mostly known for teaching English, but when I’m not, I’m known for stalking the greenery and flowers in my neighbors’ yards so I can capture photos I share on Instagram (@dooglebuggy and @ria.arby). My favorite place to go wild with my camera is the Back 40. Many locals and students use the Back 40 to stay physically fit. What better place is there on campus to get your uphill run on? While I theoretically appreciate the benefits of hiking or running in the Back 40, I mainly use the space to hide from others. The combination of the many, many trails, the solitude, and the opportunity to slide behind a tree when people approach is irresistible to my introverted self. As much as I enjoy the eight hours of interacting with students and colleagues during the day, I need alone time to recharge. The Back 40 offers the perfect combination of isolation, silent company, and opportunities for photography. The Back 40 calms and centers me and shows me how important it is to simply spend time sorting through my thoughts and feelings.

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Featured in @allkindsofnature @amateurs_shot and @all_colorshots 🕸🙏🏼🕸 Alien Dandelions look like they come from somewhere other worldly. Little antennae communicating with the mothership, then getting trampled by the cows grazing in the pasture.🕸✨🕸✨🕸✨🕸✨🕸✨🕸✨🕸✨🕸 ✨🕸✨🕸#ig_discover_nature #nature_spotlight #igersverybest #myheartinshots #eye_for_earth #naturehippys #modmixx #rsa_nature #snapshots_daily #beautiful_world #bestnatureshot #igs_style #naturelovers #nature_wizards #whywelovenature #nature_special_ #arte_of_nature #astounding_shots #Excellent_Snaps #fabulous_shots #impressive_shotz #shotsbyyou #stalking_nature #snapshots_daily #dandelion #moody_tones

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