Welcome!
The Angeles National Forest covers over 650,000 acres of open space over elevations ranging from 1,200 to more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Ecosystems include dense chaparral at low elevations, riparian oak woodlands in the lush and shaded canyon floors, and pine and fir-covered slopes atop its majestic peaks at high elevations. Wildlife include California ground squirrels and desert cottontails at low elevations; Black bears, gray squirrels, coyote, gray fox, and mule deer in riparian oak woodlands and lower pine forests; and big horn sheep and mountain lions at the highest elevations.

The Geology of the San Gabriel Mountains, AFI's focal point, is among the oldest and most interesting in California. Some of the metamorphic and igneous rocks in the San Gabriel mountains are over 1 billion years old; the oldest of which is a 1.7 million year old darkly banded gneiss found on the Angeles Crest Highway near Mill Creek at the Singing Spring tunnel. Another interesting rock type is anorthosite, which is an igneous rock that is common on the moon but is quite rare on earth. The dark green Pelona Schist composes the majority of the eastern side of the San Gabriel Mtns, and represents a large portion of metamorphosed ocean floor that was pushed up against the North American plate millions of years ago. Many of the older rocks were intruded by younger batches of magma (molten rock) during the Mesozoic, perhaps better known as being the age of the dinosaurs. These younger igneous rocks now exist as granites that form some of the highest peaks in the range, including Mount Baden Powell, Strawberry Peak, and Mount Baldy. Even younger sedimentary rocks like those exposed at Vasquez Rocks, Mormon Rocks, and Devil's Punchbowl occur along the perimeter of the San Gabriel mountains and result from expansive river systems that carried sediment into the Los Angeles basin just a few million years ago when the basin was under water.

Registration Deadline is Friday, July 25th!!

What and When is the Angeles Forest Institute?

The Angeles Forest Institute is a week-long (August 11-17, 2008) summer research experience for high school aged students to investigate the geology and biodiversity of the Angeles Forest ecosystem. The AFI experience is solely offered through the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge (CCLCF), which is uniquely located on the southern slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains.  Students will engage in academically and physically rewarding experiences during the course, including: field-based data collection and analysis of geological and ecological processes, wilderness skills, and a 3-day (2-night) backpacking trip through the Angeles Forest. Results from this research experience will be presented to AFI faculty and parents at the graduation party.

What are the learning objectives of AFI?
At the end of the course, students will emerge with:
* A deeper and more realistic appreciation of problems associated with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and synthesis of environmental information in the wilderness setting;
* A greater knowledge of topics relevant to Southern California geology and ecology, including faulting, mountain building, biodiversity, ecosystem assessment, and water quality;
* An appreciation of wilderness camping, which will promote a cooperative and team-based approach to fieldwork and life in general; and,
* Experience in basic geologic and ecologic mapping, topographic map reading, scientific observations, and effective report writing, including: organization, clear and grammatically correct writing, and conciseness.

Who are the Angeles Forest Institute Faculty?

	Brandon Browne, Ph.D. Dr. Browne was raised in La Canada, where he spent countless days hiking through and exploring the San Gabriel Mountains. After graduating from La Canada High School in 1993, he attended Oregon State University and earned a B.S. in Geology and a B.S. in Environmental Science. Following OSU, Dr. Browne attended the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, where he earned a M.S. and Ph.D. researching topics related to understanding volcanoes in Mexico, Japan, Kamchatka, and Alaska. Dr. Browne is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at Cal State Fullerton, where he teaches introductory, upper-division, and graduate-level courses that focus on a variety of geological themes, including Physical Geology, Mineralogy and Crystallography, Origins of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks, Volcanology, and Geologic Field Mapping. He has taught field science courses in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and California, and has more than 1,000 miles of backpacking experience, including a 550-mile-long trek along the Pacific Crest Trail in 2006.
	Megan Nordvedt Megan is the Executive Director of the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge. Also raised in La Canada and a graduate of La Canada High School in 1992, Megan earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University in 1996. Since graduation, Megan has sought out several opportunities to improve the lives of young people, including working as the Youth Activities Director for Club Med in Florida and St. Lucia (Caribbean). Megan has worked at the CCLCF since 2001 and has been the executive director since 2007.

What is the Institute itinerary?

Monday, August 11, 2008 Arrive at CCLCF at 9am * Introductions, Discussion of Course Expectations and Itinerary * Overview of Angeles Forest (Geology and Ecology) SACK LUNCH (Provided by students) * Afternoon trip to Switzer's Picnic Area in AFI vehicles * Return to CCLCF at 4:30pm for pick-up
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 Arrive at CCLCF at 8am * All-day field trip via AFI vehicles to Mill Creek to examine oldest rocks (~1.7 billion years old) in the San Gabriel Mountains, some of which include anorthosite, which is widely found on the moon surface. Activities will include geological assessment, wildlife studies, ecosystem evaluation, and water quality studies. Students responsible for day-hiking gear as well as food and water (water available at Ranger Station). * Return to CCLCF for pick-up by 4:30pm.	from CSULB
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 Arrive at CCLCF at 8am * All-day field trip via AFI vehicles to Mount. Baden Powell to examine Mesozoic (dinosaur-aged) magma chambers, which fed volcanoes just like those currently active in northern California. Activities will include geological investigations, wildlife studies, ecosystem assessment, and water quality studies. Students responsible for day-hiking gear as well as food and water (water available in Wrightwood). * Return to CCLCF for pick-up by 4:30pm.
Thursday, August 14, 2008 Arrive at CCLCF at 8am * All-day field trip via AFI vehicles to Devil's Punchbowl, near Pearblossom. Activities will include geologic mapping, wildlife tracking, ecosystem assessment, and water quality studies. Students responsible for day-hiking gear as well as food and water (water available at Punchbowl). * Return to CCLCF for pick-up by 4:30pm.
Friday, August 15, 2008 Arrive at CCLCF at 7am * Depart for Cloudburst Summit, near Buckhorn Campground at 7:15am in AFI vehicles to begin Day 1 of 3-day, 30-mile backpacking trip across Angeles Forest to Mount Wilson. Topical activities will include themes of geology, ecology, and astronomy. Students responsible for backpacking gear (discussed below) as well as food and water. *Camp evening of 8/15 at Chilao Flats Campground (15 trail miles)
Saturday, August 16, 2008 * Depart Chilao at 8am on foot to begin Day 2 of 3-day backpacking trip. Topical activities will include themes of geology, ecology, and astronomy. *Backcountry camp evening of 8/16 in San Gabriel Wilderness (12 trail miles)
Sunday, August 17, 2008 * Depart SGW at 8am on foot to begin Day 3 of 3-day backpacking trip. Arrive at Mount Wilson 11am. Drive to CCLCF, arrive 12pm. * Graduation PIZZA party with parents upon noon arrival. * Graduation and Awards Ceremony for students and parents following pizza. * Students and parents leave CCLCF at 2pm.

Who can participate?
AFI activities are designed for 10th and 11th grade high school students who are reasonably fit and possess an eager and enthusiastic attitude to learn more about the environment. Parents who are interested in participating in AFI activities are encouraged to contact the CCLCF. 

How physically fit do students need to be to succeed?
Possessing an eager and enthusiastic attitude about the environment is more important for AFI students than being able to run a 6 minute mile! That said, AFI students will engage in physically and academically challenging activities every day of the course, such as hiking over rugged and sometimes remote and steep terrain during typically hot and dry August days. We will start out slowly with short day hikes and gradually build up to a 30-mile 3-day backpacking trip with increasingly challenging day hikes of greater distance and elevation gain. You'll be amazed how fast your body adjusts to the hiking, heat, and elevation in the 4 days leading up to the backpacking trip. Days will be long but very rewarding. Remember, there is nothing like the bond of shared experience and accomplishment.  Students and/or parents concerned about the physical aspects of this course are encouraged to contact the CCLCF.

How much hiking, camping, backpacking experience do I need?
Outdoor experience is definitely NOT required, but an enthusiastic attitude about the outdoors IS! AFI faculty will teach you how to pack your bags, effectively use your gear, and teach you about navigation, cooking, camp crafts, knots, basic first aid and other wilderness living skills. Each day will bring new challenges and rewards as you visit and explore fascinating places like Devils Punchbowl and Mount Baden Powell. The final 3 days of AFI includes a 3-day backpacking trip will take students along a 30 mile transect up and over the Angeles Forest from Cloudburst Summit (near Buckhorn Campground) to Mount Wilson. Our days will be filled with activities, assessment, and research experiences (not to mention hiking) that will enable you to learn a great deal about the geology and ecology of these mountains. Students will work in teams, primarily for safety but also because much can be learned through discussions with classmates. Evenings will include camp fires and some astronomy as we sleep beneath the stars.

What are the costs? And, how do I enroll?
The cost of AFI is $100.00 per student, which covers AFI vehicle use expenses to field activity sites from the CCLCF and back each day, as well as your AFI Field Book, instructor fees, and an AFI t-shirt. To enroll, or ask questions, call or visit the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge website or in person. Registration ends on Friday July 25th.

Nuts and Bolts- What do students provide?
Day-Hiking Gear (Mon-Thurs)
Sack lunch, water (at least 2 liters), backpack, pen and pencil, sunscreen, study and comfortable hiking or running shoes, comfortable clothing that will keep you cool in the heat (e.g., light colors, light fabrics), sun hat, sun glasses, bathing suit (some days)
 
Backpacking gear (Fri-Sun)
A backpacking gear list will be discussed in greater detail during the first day. You will need to provide a small backpacking backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, cooking items, food, water, as well as personal items like clothing, footwear, limited toiletries (e.g., toilet paper, soap, SPF), and a small first-aid kit that you will make earlier in the week. If you don't already own this stuff, don't worry! Local companies (such as REI) rent most of this gear at very reasonable rates. Again, these items will be discussed in-detail during the first day.

Do students receive academic credit?
Not at this time, but we are optimistic that academic credit may eventually be earned through AFI.  

Do students need to have health insurance? YES
All students who attend AFI must show proof of insurance prior to registration through CCLCF.