My passion for the environment is what interested me in the Summer Field Reseach Course at NatureBridge; I have over 4,000 volunteer hours recorded at Utah’s Hogle Zoo, and I started a nonprofit organization to help save the polar bears called Polar Defenders. But it was this program that showed me my love for science.

I hiked over 50 miles total with 40 pound pack; everyday was incredibly challenging, but I’ve never felt more accomplished. Every night we camped somewhere new, and in some of the most beautiful places in Yosemite. I was in awe every step of the way. I have never seen any place as beautiful as the places I saw on this trip; or as fascinating.

Our project—that we got to choose—involved measuring the height and width ratio of trees in different elevations; we calculated this data for 110 trees. It was time-consuming to say the least.

I measured the width of all the trees (basically I did a lot of tree-hugging, which was good because I have a lot of experience in this area). 

I didn’t realize how tedious science really is, and this showed me not only what it is really like, but that I can do it and because of this trip I’ve decided that a career in science is what I want to pursue. 

During the course I saw five rattle snakes, one of which was in the process of eating a squirrel. I also saw marmots, squirrels, bucks, and deer; I’ve never seen this much wildlife, in the wild! I swam in ice covered lakes, hiked above half dome, and got attacked several times by swarms of mosquitoes. My favorite part of the trip was hiking in the snow, I love snow and the cold, and I want to be a glaciologist. Hiking up a snow covered mountain was definitely a pleasant surprise. 

I can honestly say that this was the best experience of my life, and as a full-scholarship recipient I couldn’t have gone without your support. If there is any program to support, it’s this one. Thank you!

NatureBridge alum Abrianna Peto participated in the Summer Field Research program in Yosemite National Park in 2011.