Tundra and Taiga Ecology of Alaska

Faculty: David Gilligan

Dates: July 12-August 15

Credits: 6

Lab fee: $3,000 - $3,400

Course description

Explore the last great wilderness of North America from the temperate, glaciated southern coast all the way to the sweeping vastness of the Arctic tundra. The program consists of five weeks of wilderness backpacking in the three primary eco-regions of Alaska: the temperate coast, the boreal interior, and the Arctic. The curriculum integrates in-depth study of natural history and ecology, cultural studies, and the planning and practice of Arctic expedition skills. We will travel in the spirit of the great explorers and naturalists, studying wild nature through sustained immersion into it. The program consists of two inter-related courses, designed to serve students with interests in natural history and ecology, cultural studies, conservation, outdoor education, and northern studies.

Course components

Tundra and Taiga Ecology

This intensive field course is an in-depth exploration of tundra and taiga environments, designed to give students maximum hands-on experience with the vegetation and flora of the circumpolar north.  Through lectures, discussions, and extensive forays into remote natural areas we will investigate topics such as field identification of tundra and taiga species, botanical characteristics of major family groups, boreal forest ecology, muskeg ecology, treeline ecology, tundra habitats, plant adaptations to arctic and alpine environments, and arctic and alpine biogeography.   We will also explore physical features of tundra environments such as glaciers and associated landforms and frozen ground phenomenon, as well as traditional human cultures and their relationships with tundra environments.

Arctic and Alpine Expedition Skills Practicum

This field course build on foundational outdoor skills and is designed to train students in all aspects of trip design and implementation through immersion on an extended expedition in a remote northern and/or mountain environment.  We begin with logistics, including route selection and itinerary development, food planning, equipment selection and preparation, and establishment of group culture.  As we move to the field, we learn, practice and hone skills such as map reading and navigation, establishing and maintaining high functioning field camps, equipment maintenance and repair, group communication and organization, and travel skills specific to the environment(s) we are traveling in (ie. paddling, lining and portaging, cross country backpacking, snow and glacier travel, etc.).  We will also overview public land management agencies and their relevant policies, as well as the history of parks and wilderness areas in the region in which we are travelling.