Photos courtesy of volunteer Linda Cooley
CLIO, CA – The Mohawk Valley Stewardship Council (MVSC) hosted its annual Living History School Days on September 15–17, 2025, at White Sulphur Springs Ranch in Clio. This unique educational field trip gives local students the opportunity to step back in time and experience what life was like in the 1800s in Plumas County, while also learning about the rich history of the ranch itself.
On Monday, September 15, 47 third graders from Quincy Elementary rotated through five hands-on learning stations. Activities included a tour of the historic Ranch House; a combined homestead, cooking, and cleaning station; a sheep and wool-making presentation with live sheep provided by Anna Harvey of Harvey Ranch; the Maidu Learning Center, which highlighted the history and culture of the indigenous Mountain Maidu people; and a fruit box building station honoring Graeagle’s origins with the California Fruit Exchange.
After reading about last year’s program, the Wild Sierra Homeschool Co-op reached out to request their own day at the ranch. On Tuesday, September 16, 35 students ranging from third grade to high school participated in three extended sessions: a Ranch House tour paired with a short documentary film, a walking tour of the historic property and Mohawk Valley, and an interactive lesson at the Maidu Learning Center.
On Wednesday, September 17, 48 third graders from C. Roy Carmichael Elementary in Portola took part in five stations: a Ranch House tour, a frontier cooking station, a frontier cleaning and chores station, the Maidu Learning Center, and the fruit box building station.
The three-day event was organized by MVSC President Brian Martinez with school coordination by Wendy Maul, a teacher at C. Roy Carmichael. Fourteen MVSC volunteers staffed the stations, guiding students through hands-on history lessons that drew praise from teachers, parents, and students alike.
This year’s Living History School Days was made possible through the generous support of Plumas Bank, whose funding ensures the continuation of this important educational program. On Monday, Rachelle Ramelli from Plumas Bank in Portola visited the ranch to see firsthand how the bank’s contributions help bring local history to life for area youth.
“The enthusiasm and curiosity from the students were inspiring,” said Martinez. “We are proud to share the history of White Sulphur Springs Ranch and the Mohawk Valley with the next generation.”
Deb Dudley - Media Relations
CLIO, CA – The Mohawk Valley Stewardship Council (MVSC) hosted its annual Living History School Days on September 15–17, 2025, at White Sulphur Springs Ranch in Clio. This unique educational field trip gives local students the opportunity to step back in time and experience what life was like in the 1800s in Plumas County, while also learning about the rich history of the ranch itself.
On Monday, September 15, 47 third graders from Quincy Elementary rotated through five hands-on learning stations. Activities included a tour of the historic Ranch House; a combined homestead, cooking, and cleaning station; a sheep and wool-making presentation with live sheep provided by Anna Harvey of Harvey Ranch; the Maidu Learning Center, which highlighted the history and culture of the indigenous Mountain Maidu people; and a fruit box building station honoring Graeagle’s origins with the California Fruit Exchange.
After reading about last year’s program, the Wild Sierra Homeschool Co-op reached out to request their own day at the ranch. On Tuesday, September 16, 35 students ranging from third grade to high school participated in three extended sessions: a Ranch House tour paired with a short documentary film, a walking tour of the historic property and Mohawk Valley, and an interactive lesson at the Maidu Learning Center.
On Wednesday, September 17, 48 third graders from C. Roy Carmichael Elementary in Portola took part in five stations: a Ranch House tour, a frontier cooking station, a frontier cleaning and chores station, the Maidu Learning Center, and the fruit box building station.
The three-day event was organized by MVSC President Brian Martinez with school coordination by Wendy Maul, a teacher at C. Roy Carmichael. Fourteen MVSC volunteers staffed the stations, guiding students through hands-on history lessons that drew praise from teachers, parents, and students alike.
This year’s Living History School Days was made possible through the generous support of Plumas Bank, whose funding ensures the continuation of this important educational program. On Monday, Rachelle Ramelli from Plumas Bank in Portola visited the ranch to see firsthand how the bank’s contributions help bring local history to life for area youth.
“The enthusiasm and curiosity from the students were inspiring,” said Martinez. “We are proud to share the history of White Sulphur Springs Ranch and the Mohawk Valley with the next generation.”
Deb Dudley - Media Relations
