Here are some questions most people have about this assignment:

Q- The trails were closed for construction. Are they open again?

 

A- Construction on the US Fish and Wildlife offices was completed in August 2011 and all parts of the Nature Center have reopened.

 

Q- I heard the Nature Center was going to be closed due to the City of Chula Vista's budget problems?

A- That's true, however, due to a huge public response the city decided to keep it open until June 2009 and then re-evaluate. It has transfered to a not-for-profit organization in order to raise more money from donations. Also, the center raised admission charges to be more in line with typical admission rates for places like Sea World (far more expensive!) the San Diego Zoo, and the Birch Aquarium. The extra admission income helps sustain the operation.

 

Q- I heard the Nature Center was closed for remodeling?

A- The Chula Vista Nature Center completed an extensive remodel August, 2006. They replaced the trail signs late in 2009.

 

Q- Do you provide rides to the Nature Center?

A- No. Because of the sheer number of Biology 100 L students we are not able to provide rides.

 

Q- How much does it cost?

A- The regular admission is $11.00 but SDSU students only pay $8.00.

 

Q- I like that kind of thing and I might want to go back. I'm also not sure if I can finish in one visit.

A- The Nature Center offers a student membership pass good for an entire year. It is non transferable and you must show valid SDSU student ID but is a good deal if you'll visit 4 or more times. It costs $32.

 

Q- Where is it? [MAP]

A- Its at the west end of E street in Chula Vista. This is where the Sweetwater river empties into San Diego Bay. It is approximately seven miles south of downtown San Diego and seven miles north of the international border. Take I-5 south to E street and head west for about a block. Park your car in the lot and wait for the free shuttle. The Address is: 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91910-1201

 

Q- How often does the shuttle run?

A- Every 15-20 minutes. The last shuttle goes into the nature center 1 hour prior to closing, the last shuttle leaves the nature center at closing.

 

Q- What are the hours for the center?

A- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily.

Closed: Thanksgiving day and the day after, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday.

Q- Will we be meeting there as a class?

A- No. Most instructors will visit the center once, probably on a weekend, and if yours is going he/she should let you know when he or she will be there. You can meet them at that time if it is convenient for you. You may be able to contact other instructors to try to find one that's going when you want to go. Check the room schedule and click on an instructor's name to send them an email message.

Q- Can I work together with my friend on this?

A- Yes and No. You are free to go together and discuss the questions and answers but everything that you write down must be your own thoughts, not those of your friend. Even if you rearrange the wording- if you use someone else's answer you've plagarized them. Think of it this way, if someone asks you about an answer and then they say, "oh, that's good, can you repeat that?" you're both about to cross a line when they go to copy it down. Unfortunately, with an assignment like this it is tempting to copy answers to save time. This is covered in the syllabus. One final reminder - don't give your assignment to someone else, if they copy your work you both are penalized.

 

Q- This assignment looks huge! Why is it so big?

A- There are more questions in each section than you actually need to answer. Only answer some of the questions. The extra questions are there to help you if you can't find the item that's supposed to be in that place (like an animal that's been pulled off of the exhibit) or you can't figure out the answer. The actual number of required questions are in the directions for each section. The sections are grouped by the physical location in the Nature Center. Most people complete the assignment in about 3 hours.