Searching for Denali Dinosaurs: Backcountry Citizen Science

August 9-12, 2010
Price $330 (10% membership discount)

Do something exciting this summer! Come help the National Park Service search for and catalog new evidence of dinosaurs and plant life of the late cretaceous period.  The very first dinosaur track in Denali was discovered by a student while on a geology course in 2005, and more evidence is found each summer.  As a citizen scientist on this course, you will take part in the exciting and sometimes challenging work of documenting and gathering geo-referencing data from each discovery.  The evidence gathered will help us better understand the environment and climate of 65 million years ago as well as give us insight into the warming climate of today. Participants will backpack and camp in the backcountry of Denali.  Participants must be able to carry a 45 pound backpack on rocky slopes with elevation gains of up to 1500 feet.

Please Note: This course is full. To be added to the waiting list please email us at courses@murieslc.org and provide your name, phone number and the number of spaces you are seeking in the course.

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 5:00pm on the last day.

Lodging and Meals
The first night will be spent at the Murie Science and Learning Center field camp in our tent cabins and the following two nights will be spent at un-established backcountry campsites.  Participants will stay in shared camping tents, with no electricity or plumbing available. Each participant is required to carry group equipment and food in their backpacks and assist with camp chores and cooking.  All of the simple yet healthy food will be provided. Participants must provide their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads and large capacity backpack.

Hiking Distances and Physical Fitness
Field Seminars are active learning experiences. Participants must be capable hikers, in good health, and equipped for sudden changes in weather. This course includes hiking up to five miles with a full-sized backpack weighing up to 45 pounds. The initial hike to our basecamp on day two will include at least 1,500 feet of elevation gain over uneven terrain. During the subsequent days we will venture from our campsites with day packs for short hikes to our study areas.

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.

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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