Denali Institute
Field Seminars and Teacher Trainings
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Summer 2004
For further information and registration, please go to:
http://www.denaliinstitute.org
or call Denali Institute at:
1-866-688-1269
OVERVIEW
Denali's mountains, forests, and tundra are inspiring classrooms.
Surrounded by this dynamic living laboratory, Field Seminars and Teacher
Trainings take you on an in-depth exploration into Denali's unique
landscape. Our natural history courses are an unparalleled opportunity
for people who want to learn more, while experiencing more, of Denali
National Park.
Most programs are based out of the Igloo Canyon Field Camp, located 35
miles inside the Park. This spectacular location allows access to
Denali's diverse environments and puts participants in the heart of wild
country. Programs are limited to 12 participants.
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) offers one professional development
credit (level 595) for Field Seminars and Teacher Trainings.
FIELD SEMINAR DESCRIPTIONS
Fees shown include all accommodations, meals, instruction, and entrance
into the Park.
High Country Wildflowers: 18-20 June
Cost: $290 USD
Surround yourself in the vibrant color and bloom of Denali's tundra and
taiga forests. With wildflower expert and author Verna Pratt, we'll move
from the boreal forest to alpine meadows, learning about wildflower
adaptations to extreme latitude and high elevation. Verna Pratt is the
author of "Field Guide to Alaskan Wildflowers" and "Wildflowers of
Denali National Park." Designed for all levels of plant enthusiasts.
Annual Returns - Migratory Birds of Denali: 25-27 June
Cost: $290 USD
Summer brings more than 160 species of migratory birds to Denali. Coming
from as far as Africa, Asia, and Antarctica, the vast majority will be
in colorful breeding plumage. Led by Denali National Park Ornithologist
Carol McIntyre and Alaska Bird Observatory's Andrea Swingley, we'll
learn to identify Denali's birds by songs and calls, behavior, habitat,
and field marks. Carol McIntyre is the author of "Birds of Denali."
Where the Wild Things Are - A Wildlife Weekend for Families: 9-11 July
Family Rates: $395 USD (for two), $425 USD (for three), $455 USD (for
four)
Come share the wonder of discovery with your children or grandchildren
as we explore the stories of the wild. As keen observers, we'll
investigate the trail for signs of animal tracks, rubs, browse, scat,
nests, and dens. The instructor, Ella Bredthauer, spent three years
guiding families in Denali and now leads children's programs at the
Imaginarium. Designed for families with children 8-14 years old.
Natural Designs: 16-18 July
Cost: $150 USD (This seminar starts each day at the Park entrance.
Continental breakfast and bag lunch are provided each day.
Accommodations are not included.)
Join renowned Alaskan artist Ree Nancarrow for a creative closer look
into Denali's natural world. An endless source of inspiration, Denali
has been the backdrop for thousands of artists in dozens of different
media. Looking again at shapes, lines, colors, and textures, we'll
gather these elements to illustrate our own personal view of Denali.
Predators & Politics in Denali National Park: 30 July - 1 August
Cost: $290 USD
In the past century, wolves and bears have become potent symbols of
wilderness in our society. We'll examine the work of Adolph Murie and
other key figures as we explore Denali's sweeping physical and political
landscape. Join historian and author Tim Rawson for an engaging
examination of the history of Denali and the politics of its predators.
Tim Rawson is the author of "Changing Tracks: Predators and Politics in
Mt. McKinley National Park."
Natural Cycles - Predators, Prey, and Habitat: 6-8 August
Cost: $290 USD
Predators, prey, and habitat are interwoven in subtle and surprising
ways. Each plays a complex role in shaping the others' populations,
behavior, and physiology. Join wildlife biologist Vic Van Ballenberghe,
as we examine the dynamic relationship between Denali's bears, wolves,
moose, caribou, and sheep, and the strong influences of their habitat.
Wilderness Writing September 3-5
Cost: $290 USD
For many, Alaska's wilderness embodies a primal human need, a place in
the heart as well as a point on the map. Join Alaskan author and teacher
Nick Jans on this journey of the senses. Against Denali's autumn tundra
of russets and reds, we'll hone our creative writing skills individually
and through group discussion. Nick Jans is the author of "The Last Light
Breaking" and "Tracks of the Unseen."
TEACHER TRAINING DESCRIPTIONS
For teachers only. All Teacher Trainings are standards-based,
emphasizing curriculum and resources for multi-disciplinary learning.
Fees shown include meals, accommodations, transportation, and all UAF
credit costs for one professional development credit.
Geology of Denali: 11-13 June
Cost: $310 USD
Denali's landscape has been sculpted and scoured by glaciers, rivers,
landslides, and tectonics. With Denali National Park's Chief Geologist
Phil Brease, we'll examine ancient patterns of rock and ice while
practicing creative ways to use geology for hands-on learning. Credit
through UAF Education or Geology Department.
Adaptation to a Northern Environment: 23-25 July
Cost: $310 USD
The Far North is a challenging environment for plants and animals. Each
has its unique niche and survival strategy. Do they hibernate, migrate,
or use a combination of color and camouflage to stay active all winter?
Join Denali National Park's Education Specialist, Martha Tomeo, to learn
ways to incorporate the science and stories of adaptation into your
classroom. Credit through UAF Education or Biology Department.
Bears of Denali: 13-15 August
Cost: $310 USD
Join Denali National Park's Wildlife Biologist, Pat Owen, and Education
Specialist, Martha Tomeo, for this study of one of the world's most
fascinating wildlife species. We'll spend our days in the field focusing
on observation and awareness of bears and bear habitat, combined with
group discussion of teaching methods and opportunities. Credit through
UAF Education or Biology Department.
OTHER COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Wolves of Denali: A Daily Five-Hour Excursion in Denali National Park
Cost: $75 USD
Come explore the fascinating story of the science behind the scenery,
through the eyes of a wildlife researcher. We'll travel 35 miles into
Denali National Park to learn about Denali's wolves, their role in the
subarctic ecosystem, and management issues facing the National Park
Service. As part of an ongoing study, we'll gather evidence of the
presence of wolves in the Igloo forest. Along the banks of the Teklanika
River, we'll use radio telemetry to search for wolves unseen and explore
wildlife corridors for animal tracks and signs.
Alaska Field Course - Environments, Peoples, and Policies: 14-29 June
An accredited college course (3 credits) in partnership with University
of California Santa Cruz and University of Alaska Anchorage, engaging
undergraduate and graduate students in a field-based study of Alaska's
natural, cultural, and public policy history.
For further information, please go to:
http://www.denaliinstitute.org
or call Denali Institute at:
1-866-688-1269