Down to Earth

Down to Earth is a community program that aims to increase exposure and accessibility to outdoor activities and promote wellness for those living in the Central Valley and Yolo County

Accessibility

Despite the health benefits and abundant recreational parks available in California, there continues to be a lack of accessibility and diversity in the wilderness. Down to Earth aims to address this disparity by hosting affordable hiking, camping, and backpacking trips for students who wish to gain more exposure to the outdoors.

Physical and mental well-being

A wealth of studies have demonstrated that nature experience is associated with physical and psychological well-being. Our goal is to provide safe exposure to outdoor activities such as camping and backpacking with experienced team members. We also aim to create an inclusive environment in which all are welcome.

Mentorship, guidance and friendship!

Down to Earth offers mentorship and career guidance to students through a buddy-system during outdoor trips. Curious about trade school, graduate school, or medical school? Our guides and team leaders have answers for you!

Tu Nguyen

Co-President

Tu is currently a second year medical student at UC Davis School of Medicine. She was born in Da Nang, Vietnam, grew up in Stockton, CA, and attended UC Davis for college. In her free time, Tu enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, crocheting, watching anime and Korean dramas, and practicing film photography!

Sibylla Bricka

Co-President

Sibylla is a 7th and 8th grade science teacher in Dixon, CA. She attended UC Santa Cruz for her undergraduate degree and moved to UC Davis for the masters program in education. She enjoys backpacking, hiking, running, swimming, and basically anything outside!

Neath Seng

Vice-President

Neath (pronounced Niet) moved to California from Cambodia when she was 12. She went to college at Northwestern and is currently a medical student at UC Davis. When she’s not home binging TV shows, she enjoys going outdoors to hike, rock climb, and backpack with her friends!

Jade Tso

Treasurer

Jade is a medical student at the University of California, Davis and a graduate of Duke University. She was introduced to backpacking through her friends in Down to Earth and fell in love with it! As a Northern California native, she is excited to help others explore the beauty of the region and to see new places herself!

Sorry, registration has ended.

Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and join us for an unforgettable outdoor experience! Down to Earth is thrilled to invite you to our upcoming backpacking adventure to Yosemite National Park on May 18th-19th, where we'll immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature, conquer scenic trails, and forge new connections with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.Read More

Date: 5/18/2024 06:00 AM - 5/19/2024 07:00 PM
Location: Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground (Map)

Step 1: Sign up

Please fill out the Google Form for the specific trip you wish to attend on the "Sign Up" tab. You will then receive an email form us confirming your attendance on the trip.

Step 2: Equipment, Food, and Waiver

We will include a "What to Bring" list, a form to rent any gear you need from us through UC Davis, and a waiver to ensure everyones safety. We will be providing food along the trip. More information will follow once you sign up.

Step 3: Get ready to adventure!

We will communicate with you via email prior to the trip to help you prepare. We will be having active filled days on these trips and we are so excited for you to join us!

If you are feeling nervous and unprepared, have no fear! We are prepared for new backpackers and will support you every step of the way. Here are some articles that you can read that might put your mind at rest.

Here is a article on how to mentally prepare for backpacking: https://www.stayatbase.com/general/mentally-prepare-for-travel/

Here is an article on some tips for backpacking:
https://happiestoutdoors.ca/backpacking-for-beginners/

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us via email.

Sacramento, California, United States

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or if you'd like to join the team.