The Natural History of Denali Parks an Ecological Study (Biology 124 - 2 credits)

DATES/TIMES: Pre-brief: June 29, 1999 (6:00pm-10:00pm) University of Alaska Anchorage Expedition: July 1-9, 1999 (9 days) INSTUCTOR: John Wenger, Naturalist/Wildlife Biologist FEES: Class fee: $1185 (includes all transportation, even train fare, 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 Denali Parks - Denali National Park, with its abundant wildlife and Denali State Park, a backpacker’s paradise of solitude. 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 train on the Alaska Railroad and by van on this 10-day expedition. 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 course 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. 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, your 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 expedition departure.

Denali National Park
      On our first expedition day, you will depart Anchorage for an enjoyable train ride into interior Alaska. At the park entrance, the park shuttle bus will take us to Savage Campground where we have group reservations. From this scenic campground, 10 miles into the national park, daily backcountry hikes are scheduled for birding, wildlife observation, and photography. Grizzlies, moose, Dahl sheep, and caribou are around! You never know what you may encounter in this wilderness... you may be lucky enough to see a wolf. Make sure you have a camera and lots of film. The instructor, with his van and trailer, will carry our food from Anchorage.

Denali State Park
      Leaving the national park by van, we will off-board at Little Coal Creek in Denali State Park to begin our six day backpacking trip--six days of true wilderness living! Once on top of Curry Ridge, we can freely hike to explore this beautiful land with its unequaled view of the Alaska Range and Mt. Mckinley. See Trumpeter Swans, Golden Eagles, and exotic bird species from Africa and Asia. Wildflowers abound. On our last day, we will return to the van and head south for Anchorage to have an optional celebration dinner.

Preparation and Responsibilities
      All details of the expedition have been carefully considered. Advance railroad travel reservations have been made. All required permits for park backcountry hiking and camping have been obtained. This expedition is extremely well-planned and organized. Since van space is limited and we will be backpacking, 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 GOOD physical condition and have no serious health impairments. The most strenuous hike will be carrying you 30-50+ lb. pack three miles on moderate (10 degree average with maximum 15 degree) slopes up and down Curry Ridge. 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 you own cooking, are familiar with and can operate you equipment, and can prepare and carry you 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 site and to the railroad depot 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 natural 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 Denali 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 and at the Denali National Park). Suggest being read in advance, if possible.
      Grading: Journals graded and returned on the last field day (1/4 of final grade); examination given and graded on 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 1 (90 days before the pre-brief), a $200.00 deposit is required. The balance is due April 1. 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=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 payable 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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