For the fourth year in a row, AP Environmental Science and Marine Biology students went to the Año Nuevo Natural Preserve in Pescarado.

The field trip for 175 students took place on March 10 and 11 and consisted of a hike that summarized and tied together the curriculum that was taught in classes.

“It’s a lot like a guided nature walk which directly relates to the main idea of AP Environmental Science,” said AP Environmental Science teacher Kristen Thomson.

While half the people waited on the beach, the other half followed the tour guide over the dunes for a guided hike to the elephant seals. The hike included an explanation of the geology of the area as well as the story of the near extinction of elephant seals. The tour also discusses the indigenous groups who used to live in the area.

“It’s really neat,” Thomson said.  “Now that I have gone for so many years, I’ve begun to recognize the same seals that were there year to year, and we’ve gotten several of the same guides, so I’d say it’s a pretty successful trip.”