French, Gerald L.

Biography / Administrative History

The West Coast Nature School Nature Study began in 1931 and was created by two science department professors, Dr. Hazeltine, instructor of Nature Studies and Dr. Pickwell, professor of Natural Science. The first study site took place at Big Basin State Park in 1931, followed by program sites in Asilomar State Park, Sequoia National Park, Death Valley National Park, and other sites throughout California. This program is currently offered at San Jose State University during the summer session and is called the Field Studies in Natural History. Gerald L. French, a San Jose State College student (BS 1960) photographed the 1958 field trip to Death Valley and in 2008 he donated his collection of contact prints, negative, and slides.