An Insider's View of Glacier National Park

The Crown of the Continent, where geography is cast on a colossal scale, holds many precious jewels. Among them Glacier National Park, our classroom and area of exploration for this 3-day journey of discovery.

Glacier Park is home to some of the most exquisite mountain landscapes in North America. It is also one of the finest places on the planet to study wildlife habitat, Native American history, the many aspects of an altering world climate, fascinating physical geography, and examples of the work done by glaciers.

Our gathering place in this majestic terrain is the Glacier Institute Big Creek Camp, an assortment of rustic cabins in the valley of the North Fork of the Flathead River on the western border of Glacier National Park and just below the soaring peaks of the Livingston Range.

Our field time will be spent in the Flathead's legendary North Fork as well as on the Continental Divide in two Glacier National Park locations.  We will seek out the best views and allow time for a bit of extra-curricular photography instruction.

You will recieve instruction from University of Montana professor Rick Graetz and scientists from the Glacier Institute.

Topics will include:

• examination of the work of ice
• a look at “bear elevators”
• observing the process of shrinking glaciers through repeat photography
• visiting burns of various ages
• discussing fire ecology
• discovering the consequences of climate change on the high country
• exploring some of the best wildlife environment in the world 
• seeking trails that the indigenous peoples used for their annual hunts
• discovering the Blackfeet Nation with a tribal elder

 
What will you experience?

When you leave Glacier Park, you’ll be packing with you intimate knowledge of many colorful and intriguing aspects of North America’s most pristine ecosystem. An understanding of the Crown of the Continent geography will enable you to appreciate and interpret other mountain landscapes, whether they are in the Northern Rockies or any other range you might visit. The photographs you take will serve as your “external hard drive” for your memories!

Registration

This program will take place June 18, 19 and 20, 2012.

The price includes all meals, lodging and transportation. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the Glacier Institute Big Creek Camp. You will recieve a registration packet with directions and additional information prior to the start of the course.

For any questions about the course, please email Rick Graetz at rick.graetz@mso.umt.edu.

Registration is now open. Space is limited, so register today!

Field Experience courses are offered several times a year in a variety of pristine Montana environments.  If you would like to be notified about future opportunites, please email candi.merrill@mso.umt.edu.