Our first stop on this trip was only a few blocks from campus. We stopped at a farm and students were presented with the legitimate and pressing agricultural need for more water storage and access. It's easy to say we must protect nature and not build dams when you never have to actually look into the eyes of someone who lost their job or farm because there's not enough water and could have been.
We then traveled up to the San Joaquin River Gorge and hiked in the area that would be flooded by the new dam. I then gave students the arguments against the proposed dam. It's easy to insist on a new dam when you've never actually enjoyed the beauty of the location that will be flooded. When you understand the significance and history of the area that decision is not quite as easy.
Students were encouraged to form their own opinions and write about it. Overall it was a great trip. Read more to see the pictures.
