This is the first of a series of essays about the Fall 2014 Field Meeting at Black Mesa. This essay is by Marco Micozzi of East Central University, who organized the whole field meeting. President Stan Rice will also post some essays in upcoming days. Field trip leaders, feel free to send Stan essays and photos (srice@se.edu; not too many photos at one time) or else (for council members, if you still have the logon information) post it yourself.

Dear All,

As field trip leader, I want to thank you for a wonderful time at Black Mesa State Park and for all the students you brought with you. I believe they have some great experiences that they will carry with them forever. For most, this was their first time to the area so I am sure they are happy they came with your support. I am also happy that the weather cooperated and the stars were out. Even without a telescope, it was impressive! To the speakers and field trip leaders, it was a delight to have so many students talking about their experiences when I walked by them during the meeting. You made an impact. I thank you for your quick email responses during the planning stages and hope you will return the favor to the next field trip leader. I hope you consider grabbing hold of a state park in the future and being the field trip leader in the future. It is a pleasure working with David and getting to know all of you a bit more. If you know of more passionate teachers to help lead trips, please bring them aboard. In addition, please have your friends check their email and send any updates to David. There are many incomplete email addresses floating around out there.

The group photo (above) is for those teachers that had students hike to the top. If I count the five students from ECU that are not in the photo, I believe this is the largest group we had. For that matter, this was the largest group we ever had at this State Park for a field meeting (compared to 2003 and 2008). Please promote the next meeting in the Spring and help get students to the Technical Meeting in November. Check the website for details.

I am sure not everyone is “bright-eyed” and “well-rested” to start the week, but is was sure worth it!

All the best,

Marco