Pioneers of Denali: the Creation of
Mt. McKinley National Park

July 31 - August 2, 2009
$330 (10% membership discount)

Note: We will announce our 2010 Field Seminars in late November and open registration in early January 2010.  To receive email notification please add your contact information to the Alaska Geographic mailing list.

Alaska’s first national park was set aside in 1917 as a game refuge, however, no one was given the job of protecting it until 1921! Establishing the new park between two communities that had long claimed hunting, trapping, and mining rights in the area was not easy, and could not have happened without the dedication of a few hardy and exceptional individuals. Join local historian and author Tom Walker on a journey into the past and discover the intriguing stories of the park’s early years. While visiting several historic sites in the park, we’ll walk in the footsteps of pioneer superintendent Harry Karstens and others who faced extreme challenges and many dangers in laying the foundation for what is now one of the premier wilderness parks in the world. Tom Walker is the author of McKinley Station: The People of the Pioneer Park that Became Denali and Kantishna: Mushers, Miners, Mountaineers.

Times and Location
Participants meet at the Murie Science and Learning Center, located at mile 1 of the Denali Park Road. This course begins at 6:30pm on the first day and ends at 4:00pm on the last day.

Lodging and Meals
This course is based out of the Murie Science and Learning Center Field Camp, located 29 miles inside Denali National Park along the Teklanika River. The Field Camp includes rustic tent cabins and a common dining tent. Family-style meals are simple and healthy. For more information about the accommodations please click here.

Hiking Distances and Physical Fitness
Field Seminars are active learning experiences. Participants must be capable walkers, in good health, and equipped for sudden changes in weather. This course includes up to two miles of hiking and/or 500 feet elevation gain per day, over uneven terrain.

Accreditation
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers one professional development credit (level 500) for an additional $69 fee. The 10% membership discount does not apply to the credit fee.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations that occur 30 days in advance of the course start date will be refunded the course fee, less a processing fee of $25 per space. For cancellations within 30 days of the course start date, the entire fee will be retained unless we can fill your space. Alaska Geographic memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. If we have to cancel a course, your entire course fee will be refunded. To process a cancellation, please email us or call (907) 683-1269.

Refunds will be credited to the credit card used during the original transaction. Refunds may also be applied to course substitutions within the same summer season. Please contact our staff to process a substitution or refund.

Download the Course Overview document for additional information.

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Questions?
If you have questions about this particular course, please contact the Murie Science and Learning Center by email or phone (907) 683-1269.


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