Wrangell Mountains Center
The Wrangell Mountains Center (WMC) is an independent, official educational and research partner of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. Based in McCarthy, Alaska, in the heart of the Park, the WMC has offered residential and walk-in programs that foster appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of wildlands and mountain culture in Alaska through scientific and artistic inquiry in the Wrangell Mountains. WMC has provided a myriad of logistical support for researchers since the 1970s, and continues to provide experiential front and backcountry learning opportunities to people of all ages.
As a learning community, the Wrangell Mountains Center believes in experiential education that allows for inquiry and discovery through direct contact with diverse environments. They embrace an interdisciplinary approach that includes analytical, artistic, and scientific modes of perception. Join them for a workshop, seminar, or as a base for your field research.
Note: The Wrangell Mountains Center hosts many other courses, the three included below are those that most closely meet the Murie Science and Learning Center mission of supporting science, science education, and partnerships.
Contact information for Wrangell Mountains Center:
Jeremy Pataky, Executive Director
(907) 554-4464
info@wrangells.org
www.wrangells.org
2012 Courses
Changing Landscapes Workshop for Educators
June 2-4, 2012
Glaciers, rivers, volcanoes, plate-tectonics, and succession! Participants will enjoy two days of intensive and interactive field-based learning about these exciting and dynamic processes. We will spend time out on the trail, experiencing the dynamic environment of the McCarthy area as a classroom. The format includes lesson modeling; place-based, hands-on activities; and focused discussions. Workshop participants will come away with new tools and knowledge for engaging K-12 students about the physical world.
Course Fee: $210/person if you register before April 23, 2012; $240 after April 23rd. Current WMC Members receive a 10% discount (not applicable to the early bird discount). The workshop price includes dinner the first night, and optional camping and food storage facilities. See above (Meals and Accommodations) about how to include more shared meals during the workshop. Partial scholarships are available.
University Credit: One continuing education credit (ED 580) available through Prince William Sound Community College for a $25 administrative fee.
Course Details: Saturday, June 2nd: 5:30pm-8:30pm (includes dinner); Sunday, June 3rd: 9am-4:30pm; Monday, June 4th: 9am-12pm.
To Register: Download the course registration forms at the Wrangell Mountains Center website.
Alaska Wildlands Studies
June 22-August 10, annually
Wrangell Mountains Center, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
12 undergraduate college semester credits; 18 quarter units
This seven-week intensive interdisciplinary program focuses on understanding geophysical, biological, and cultural change in the Wrangell Mountains, while also examining contemporary land management issues and our personal role in wildlands preservation. Students will embark on a series of rigorous backcountry explorations and research projects from our off-the-grid base in McCarthy, Alaska in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
 Using an interdisciplinary approach of rigorous natural history observation and experimental investigation, students consider the interrelated geological, ecological, and social processes which shape the Wrangell Mountains, including their implications for public policy. Throughout, students develop and sharpen their skills in scientific, creative, and interpretive writing and in critical thinking. Techniques for nature observation and study, including drawing, illustration, and the collection of detailed field notes will be emphasized in journal exercises. There will be opportunities for essay writing, poetry, field sketching and illustration. While considering the Wrangell Mountains from a variety of perspectives, we will integrate our observations of this particular landscape into a wider framework of social and ecological concerns. Program strengths include diverse faculty with many years experience in the Wrangells, opportunities for collaborative research, and its base within an active community of scholars and artists at the Wrangell Mountains Center. Within the broad curriculum, participants can choose to emphasize earth sciences, ecology, writing and the arts, all with faculty support. Scholarships available!
To Register: More information at the Wrangell Mountains Center website.
Natural History Field Sketching and Journaling
July 13th – July 15th, 2012
 This course combines science and art in a unique approach to learning about the natural world. Participants will explore the environment surrounding McCarthy, Alaska within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park while experimenting with different field sketching and writing techniques. They will draw on the long tradition of documenting observations about the natural world in a sketchbook. Much of the course will occur in the field studying the unique glaciology and geomorphology of the Kennicott Valley and the Wrangell’s flora and fauna. By learning new ways to study their surroundings, and sharing and building on working methods, workshop participants will come away better equipped to appreciate and experience natural environments.
Course Fee: $180/person if you register by May 1, 2012; $210/person after May 1st. Current WMC Members receive a 10% discount (not applicable to the early bird price). The workshop cost includes meals and optional camping and food storage facilities. Partial workshop scholarships are available; please inquire at info@wrangells.org.
To Register: To read more information and to register please visit the course webpage.
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"Alaska Wildlands Studies" students continue
their exploration near Root Glacier, Wrangell-
St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
Photo credit: M.K. Gahl |
"Alaska Wildlands Studies" students explore
National Pass within Wrangell-St. Elias National
Park and Preserve.
Photo credit: Jonathon Schuhrke
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