Sustaining the Future, One Step at a Time

Posted October 7, 2026, 2:38 PM. Updated October 7, 2026, 2:38 PM.

Rio Grande High School students explore Valle De Oro.

Ninth Graders at Rio Grande High School visited Valle De Oro National Wildlife Refuge for their Signature Experience. This excursion provided a chance for students to get away from technology and get a closer look at nature. They were given the chance to directly engage with the environment, identify birds, and pull weeds.

“I think it's important for kids to like see, more than just like factories and stuff. That's what most of the kids are around. It's important for them to see nature,” said 9th grader Julius Gutierrez.

This unique experience also provided students with real-world skill building. Students were encouraged to work together while exploring. At the wildlife refuge, students were challenged to use their critical thinking skills as they navigated the terrain. By working together and engaging with the land, students built a deeper sense of community pride, lasting memories of their high school journey, and strengthened their mindsets to become successful adults in the future.