Alaska Natural History Workshop for Educators
Tools and Content for Engaging Youth in the Natural World
June 2-4, 2011

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.

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 price includes dinner on the first night for students. You and your family are invited to dine with use for an extra $25/person per day, or pay a small fee per meal. In keeping with the WMC's commitment to cooperative living and sustainable systems, students are invited to contribute to clean-up of meals. Every effort will be made to accomodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.

Primitive camping is available for free to participants at a private (and beautiful) site just a short walk from the WMC. Those who opt for camping are welcome to store gear at the WMC and use our rustic shower and facilities there. If you choose to camp, WMC staff will direct you to thecampsite 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.

Optional continuing education credits are available through Prince William Sound Community College.

Wrangell Mountains Center offers a number of educator workshops on a rotating basis for educators, guides, interpreters or anyone interested in local natural and human history. Watch for our History of Kennecott and McCarthy course in the future.

We give partial scholarships for our programs. Download the application.

2011 deadline is March 15.
Awards announced March 30.