7th Grade Field Trips

FODR’s 7th grade outdoor education program back in gear for past two years

Eager seventh graders were happy to be away from their middle school classrooms, enjoying the beauty and fresh air while learning about the wonders and culture surrounding Daley Ranch. This past spring’s 11 full-day field trips brought nearly 1500 students from all Escondido Union School District middle schools to an outdoor education experience sponsored by FODR, continuing a tradition that dates back 20 years. After a two year hiatus due to Covid, the field trips have now enjoyed two successful seasons.

Students rotate around five learning stations covering the animals, plants, habitats, Native American culture and Daley Ranch’s own history. The trips were a big success this past spring, offering a unique learning experience that introduce Escondido’s youngsters to the natural environment and recreational opportunities in their own backyard. FODR has not secured ongoing funding for this program, and your donations will help ensure its continued success.

The Covid Good News Story

When COVID 19 necessitated the cancellation of trips in 2021 and 2022, we were determined to come up with an alternative. Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, our terrific working relationship with the City of Escondido’s Park Rangers, the expertise and skills of some very talented professionals, and the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, we’ve created this “Virtual Field Trip” series consisting of 21 educational videos below:

To celebrate the creation of Daley Ranch Connections, the Virtual 7th Grade Educational Field Trip video series, key participants gathered at Dixon Lake to receive thumb drives of their presentations. FODR extends a huge thank you not only to the City Rangers and other presenters, but also to Ryan Video Productions. The project was made possible through the generosity of the San Diego Foundation and the Escondido Community Foundation. Standing left to right: Ranger Greg Gould, Diania Caudell (Luiseno Native American), Superintendent Chris Krstevski, Ranger Gregg Anderson, Ranger Robert Leriget, Ranger Jose Gutierrez, FODR member and docent Rick Mercurio, plant expert James Dillane, and Fred Woods (educational director for FODR), seated Chris Ryan (videographer).