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.
"The mix of background information and activities was perfect. When a great wealth of content is introduced, it can be daunting, but the fun activities broke up the time and allowed us to physically experience and participate in the learning. I enjoyed being out in the elements the most--seeing it first hand."
Instructor:Lilly Goodman-Allwright has called McCarthy her home since 1991. With a BA in Environmental Science and an MS in Ecology, Lilly has over 21 years of experience in the fields of environmental and outdoor education, including instructing trainings for educators in natural resource issues across the state of Alaska. She is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Alaska-Anchorage and has recently been nominated for “Facilitator of the Year” for the Council on Environmental Education.
"Lilly is great, energetic, and a good model for teaching strategies to use in the classroom."
"Great instructor! She's very enthusiastic about her subject matter and puts a lot of energy and work into this class."
"...Organized, had great lessons, and wonderful teaching strategieis to help students learn and remember."
Location and Venue
This course is a Wrangell Mountains Center (WMC) program. The WMC is a private nonprofit institute which fosters understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of wildlands and mountain culture in Alaska through scientific and artistic inquiry in the Wrangell Mountains. The workshop is based at the WMC's headquarters in the Old Hardware Store in McCarthy, Alaska. The town of McCarthy is set in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the U.S. Over 23% larger than Switzerland, Wrangell-St. Elias is world renowned for its wild landscapes, high peaks, massive glaciers and rivers, healthy ecosystems, dramatic scenery, and unique cultural history.
"The staff were friendly, open, wonderful. Facilities were perfect for this setting. The food was fantastic."
McCarthy is approximately a seven hour drive from either Anchorage or Fairbanks (plus time for sightseeing, et cetera) by way of Copper Center, Chitina, and the famed McCarthy Road (significantly improved by Alaska DOT in the last few years). It's also possible to fly or arrange shuttles from Anchorage to McCarthy.
McCarthy and neighboring Kennecott, a national historic landmark, are situated within the Kennicott Valley (note the different spellings between the natural features and historical features.) McCarthy and Kennecott serve locals and travelers alike as a gateway to world-class backcountry opportunities and amazing frontcountry hikes and walks (including access to the Root Glacier); the Kennicott Valley also provides a window into some of the most unique chapters in Alaska's history and an authentic, lively contemporary community.
The course will take students into the field, and is based in the WMC's headquarters, the Old Hardware Store. Built in 1911 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hardware Store serves as a cozy, atmospheric place to learn and share, and is located just a half mile from the toe of the twenty-five-mile-long Kennicott Glacier.
Meals & Accommodations 
The workshop price includes dinner on the first night (June 2) for participants. You and your family are welcome to dine with us during June 3rd and 4th for an extra $35/person/day (or pay a fee per meal). Participants are invited to contribute to meal clean-up in keeping with the WMC’s commitment to cooperative leaving and sustainable systems. Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary restrictions; please give us advance notice.
Primitive camping is available at no cost to workshop participants. The private site is located just a short walk away from the Old Hardware Store (WMC headquarters). Those who camp are welcome to store gear and food; borrow bear barrels; and use our rustic shower and other facilities. WMC staff will direct you to the campsite and orient you there upon your arrival.
Other lodging options within McCarthy include the full service McCarthy Lodge and Lancaster's Backpacker Hotel, located just down the street. The Kennicott River Lodge and Hostel is another great option outside of town; it's a short bicycle ride or twenty minute walk each way. If you bring a vehicle with you, Currant Ridge Cabins is located on the McCarthy Road about three miles from the road's end; it's about a half mile walk between the parking area there and the Old Hardware Store. Free shuttles run between the river and McCarthy on a rotation with limited hours. If you bring a camper in or would otherwise like to camp out with your vehicle, there are two commercial campgrounds near the end of the McCarthy Road that will accommodate you without advance reservations.
Registration
To register for this workshop, please downland and return the registration form (.DOC or .PDF) with a $75 deposit check made out to Wrangell Mountains Center. Balance is due on Monday, May 21, 2012. Instructions for payment are included in the form. If you have questions or would prefer to pay online with a credit card, email jeremy@wrangells.org or call (907) 244-7717.
Cost: $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.
When: Saturday, June 2nd: 5:30pm-8:30pm (includes dinner); Sunday, June 3rd: 9am-4:30pm; Monday, June 4th: 9am-12pm.
Credit: One continuing education credit (ED 580)
available through Prince William Sounds Community College for a $25
administrative fee.
Questions: For more information please
email info@wrangells.org.
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"This was a wonderful hands-on workshop in an amazing setting. I learned so much, and I came away with great classroom-ready lessons. Thank you!" - Jan W, Valdez
Two educators
investigate different types
of soil
from the periglacial environment within
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.