Glacier Through a Naturalist’s Eyes

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Instructor:  Ralph Waldt

Meeting Time:  Wednesday or Saturday at 8 AM

Meeting Place:  Glacier Park Field Camp Library (see campus map).

Accommodations:  Students who wish to stay in the Field Camp cabins can reserve a spot by calling the Glacier Institute at (406) 755-1211 in advance. See Field Camp Description for facility information.

Food:  Students will be responsible for all their own food.  For the field, please bring a sack lunch, snacks to eat, and plenty of water. For students staying overnight at camp, we have a kitchen in which you can cook meals and space available for food storage.

Equipment:  Please see basic gear list.  Binoculars are helpful if you have them.  Sturdy hiking shoes/boots as well as a day pack with room for layers; lunch and rain gear is essential

Physical Requirements: Moderate hikes, up to five miles and 500 feet elevation gain.

Transportation:  We will be traveling by Glacier Institute van.

Recommended Reading:

Crown of the Continent: The Last Great Wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.

Ralph Waldt, Riverbend Publishing, Helena, MT, 2004.

Man in Glacier. C.W. Buchholz, Glacier Natural History Association, 1999.

Exploring Glacier National Park. David Rockwell, Falcon Guide, 2002.

Weather:  Glacier Institute classes will not be cancelled due to weather. 

Tentative Itinerary: Itinerary subject to change due to weather, trail closures, etc.

The day will be spent in the field looking at our surroundings and learning about the “story” of nature through observations, animal tracks and sign and ecological niches. We will explore animal habitats, learn about their biology, identify bird songs and learn about park human history. Ralph has wonderful personal stories to tell about his experiences in nature and his extensive knowledge will amaze you!

The class will adjourn around 5 PM.

Academic Credit: This course may be taken for 8 Office of Public Instruction (OPI) renewal units (for teacher’s license renewal).  If you wish to take an Institute course for OPI credit, you will be asked to fill out paperwork and pay a $20 credit fee at the start of your course, payable to Flathead Valley Community College.

 * Please print out your course packet under product files.