Biology Students Discover Science Outside the Classroom

More than 50 students and community members laced up their walking shoes and stepped into nature on July 18 for a summer excursion led by Moreno Valley College Biology Professor Felipe Galicia. The group explored the San Jacinto Wildlife Area, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of a thriving natural habitat within the local region.

The experience offered students more than just fresh air. It provided a living lesson on Southern California’s biodiversity, the ecological value of wetlands, and the cultural heritage of the Cahuilla people, some of the region's Indigenous inhabitants.

“The San Jacinto Wildlife Area is a living classroom,” Galicia said. “Our students don’t just read about biology. They experience it. These kinds of hands-on opportunities help students retain what they learn and make real-world connections that spark curiosity and critical thinking.”

During the walk, students observed native and migratory birds, including great blue herons, white-faced ibis, and cliff swallows, which demonstrated their aerial drinking technique by skimming the water mid-flight. A rare sighting of a snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), an introduced species uncommon in Southern California, sparked discussions about the ecological impacts of non-native animals.

The group also examined native plants such as saltbush (Atriplex coronata), cattails, and California bulrush, which the Cahuilla people traditionally used for food, medicine, and ceremonial practices. Galicia noted how these outdoor experiences help students understand the interconnectedness of biology, conservation, and local history.

This was Galicia’s second nature walk in recent months, following a spring semester outing that drew nearly 80 participants. Each walk is designed to deepen students’ understanding of biology while connecting them to their environment in meaningful ways.

“These walks also help foster a sense of belonging,” Galicia said. “Students bring family and friends, and suddenly learning becomes a shared experience. It reinforces biology concepts while reminding students that science is all around us, not just in textbooks.”

At Moreno Valley College, biology students benefit from small class sizes, supportive faculty, and experiential learning that brings science to life. Events like these reflect MVC’s commitment to making science accessible, engaging, and rooted in the local community.

Students interested in exploring biology and the living world are encouraged to enroll in classes. Learn more and apply to MVC today.