The Natural History of Denali & Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks an Ecological Study (Biology 124 - 2 credits)

DATES/TIMES: Pre-brief: July 16, 1999 (6:00pm-10:00pm) University of Alaska Anchorage Expedition: July 18-27, 1999 (10 days) INSTRUCTOR: John Wenger, Naturalist/Wildlife Biologist FEES: Class fee:$1185 (includes all transportation in Alaska for expedition) Tuition fee: (if you desire credit) only $35 for two credits (residents and nonresidents) under this special program. Note: Detailed preparation instructions provided upon payment of class fees. QUESTIONS: Write leader, John E. Wenger 3217 Doil Drive Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: (907) 562-5838 Office hours: 7:00-9:00am Tue or 3:00-5:00pm Fri (Anchorage time) Please call during office hours; otherwise, all requested long distance return calls are collect. E-mail gowild@alaska.net

      The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Community Education Program is offering the nature enthusiast an opportunity to study the natural history of two Alaska National Parks--Denali with its abundant wildlife and the vast Wrangell-St. Elias. Credit , if desired, is provided by the Matanuska-Susitna College of the University of Alaska Anchorage.
      Under the guidance of a professional naturalist/wildlife biologist, you will travel by van to hike the alpine mountainsides and camp near breathtaking glaciers. Emphasis will be on understanding the ecological parameters operating in the Parks, with special attention on learning the bird, mammal, and flowering plant species. Field observation and recording techniques, including photography, will be stressed for interpreting natural phenomena.
      This expedition is typically attended by career-established individuals, averaging about 30-55 years of age, who are seeking an in-depth and unique Alaskan outdoor learning experience. Since conditions are easy, children over 12 with a parent, may attend this expedition. Participants provide their own food and personal camping gear. Due to space limitations, 13 maximum.

Getting Started
      The expedition originates and ends at Anchorage. Although you will have received detailed preparation lists and instructions before the class begins, you first day starts with an important pre-brief. It will cover all final considerations and equipment checks. You will have one free day to make any needed changes or purchases before the trip departure.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
      The first day, we’ll van from Anchorage 350 miles to the largest national park in the United States. En route, are stops for viewing wildlife, scenery, and the Alaska pipeline. Once in the Park, we’ll camp alongside a glacial-fed river with the glacier itself in the background! Make sure you have a camera and lots of film. Next day, crossing the raging river by tram, we’ll visit the historic town of McCarthy and visit the famous abandoned Kennicott Mine. From there, we’ll hike, with just our day-packs, up onto the mountainside viewing the majestic amphitheater below... it’s breathtaking! Next day, much impressed with the immensity of it all, we’ll leisurely hike across one of the largest nearby glaciers.

Denali National Park
      On our fourth day, we head north for a remote BLM campground at Tangle Lakes- it’s alive with migrant birds and abloom with alpine wildflowers! After roaming the tundra here for two days, we drive the Denali highway meandering alongside the Alaska Range to Denali National Park.
      Ten miles in this popular Park, we camp at Savage River where we have group reservations. From this scenic site, with a view of Mt. McKinley, daily backcountry hikes are scheduled for wildlife observations and photography... grizzlies, Dahl sheep caribou, and moose! Again, all hikes can be done with just a day-pack. Finally, on our last day, we return to Anchorage for an optional celebration dinner.

Preparation and Responsibilities
      All details of the expedition have been carefully considered. All required permits for park backcountry hiking and camping have been obtained. This expedition is extremely well-planned and organized. Since van and trailer space is limited, a detailed list of all essential clothing and equipment will be sent after class fees are paid. Also included is an itinerary, course syllabus, a list of suggested food with meal plans, and all trip details. Participants must be in FAIR physical condition and have no serious health impairments. The most strenuous hike will be carrying your day-pack up moderate slopes. Make certain you know, not guess, that you can comfortably handle this hike (if in doubt, request in advance, a physical fitness questionnaire to be completed at home).
      You are expected to be somewhat field experienced. Past overnight backcountry camping is essential. This means you can easily set up your tent, do your own cooking, are familiar with and can operate you equipment, and can prepare and carry your own gear. You are not to become a burden on the instructor or the other members due to ill-preparedness, lack of experience, or poor mental and/or physical conditioning for remote field living.
      You will need to arrange for your own transportation to and from the pre-brief and departure sites in Anchorage plus any lodging, if needed. You are responsible for meeting the schedule of the class and acting in a safe and conscientious manner in the field.

Method of Study
      The majority of your time will be spent on hikes to observe and learn the flora and fauna in the two Park’s ecosystems. Informal presentations will be held each evening while in camp. Topics will coincide with each Park’s immediate features and nature history attractions. For those auditing, you may, of course, be as studious as you desire.

Credit Requirements/Grading
      Those attending this course for credit will be responsible for all assigned reading and lecture material, completing a daily recorded journal of natural history observations, and a research paper summarizing the ecology of the Parks and its importance. Text for course: The Wolves of Mt. McKinley, A. Murie (can be ordered by your local bookstore or is available in Anchorage). Suggest being read in advance, if possible.
      Grading: journals graded and returned on the last field day (1/4 of final grade); research paper due late September (1/2 of final grade).

Reservation and Cancellation Policy
      To reserve a place for the class before April 13 (90 days before the pre-brief), a $200.00 deposit is required. The balance is due April 13. For those applying after this date, the full fee is required. Reservations are guaranteed when the full fee has been paid and the applicant’s requirements (physical fitness and camping experience) have been approved.
      Cancellation would mean a loss of a percentage of fees paid, as follows; (number of days from pre-brief) within 30 days=100%, from 31-40 days=90%, from 41-50 days=75%, from 51-60 days=60%, from 61-70 days=45%, from 71-80 days=30%, from 81-90 days=15%, before 90 days=$100 (non-refundable fee to cover processing expenses).
      Make check to Alaska Natural History Expeditions. For each person registering, submit clearly printed name, age, social security number, complete mailing address, and phone number. Send fee and information to instructor, John Wenger, 3217 Doil Drive, Anchorage, AK 99507.

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