The WILD ROCKIES FIELD INSTITUTE (WRFI) offers field-based, academic courses for 300-level credit in departments such as Environmental Studies, Anthropology, Forestry, Geography, Science, and Native American Studies. These courses are taught not only outside, but in the backcountry in places like Montana, Utah, Alaska, the Boundary Waters, Canada and Mexico. Students backpack, kayak and camp while learning in a meaningful way. Credit is offered through the University of Montana and is transferable to other colleges & universities. Courses are offered year-round. Application deadline for summer and fall courses is April 20.
2006 Summer & Fall FIELD COURSES: Restoration Ecology in Greater Yellowstone: June 20-July 7. Coursework focuses on the philosophy, ecology and practice of restoration ecology. Students also volunteer on critical riparian and wildlife habitat restoration projects. Great backpacking and wildlife in this important region. (3 semester credits) Conservation and Community in the Yellowstone to Yukon Region: July 11- August 13. Students focus on conservation biology, restoration ecology, and community organizing/activism during multiple extended backpack trips in Montana and Canada along the Rocky Mountain Front. A rugged backpacking course in some of the most beautiful terrain in North America. (6 semester credits) The Alaskan Rainforest: Ecology & Policy of the Tongass: July 14-August 16. Sea kayak the waters of the Inside Passage to explore temperate rainforest, tidewater glaciers, and issues that affect local residents- from loggers and land managers to salmon and wolves. A paddling trip in the most magical place on Earth. (6 semester credits) Boundary Waters: Wilderness Land & Lakes: July 17-August 4. Listen for wolves howling and loons calling as we canoe and backpack in Minnesotas and Canadas Boundary Waters and study the ecology and management of this unique transboundary ecosystem. A combined paddling and backpacking trip in an exquisite ecosystem! (3 semester credits) Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Action: August 15-23. Explore core American Indian perspectives through readings, field exercises, and discussions with tribal elders on the Flathead Reservation in Northwest Montana. Learn traditional methods for sustainable living and investigate traditional connections with the environment while backpacking in the Mission Mountain Wilderness. A combined backpacking trip and reservation stay with a powerful message. (2 semester credits) Montana Afoot and Afloat: Human/Land Relations: Two-month course. September 1-October 30. Develop a personal land ethic while kayaking the Wild and Scenic Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers and backpacking through central Montanas Little Belt and Big Snowy Mountain ranges to learn about human cultures and their interactions with the landscape. A real learning and adventure expedition; our most popular course! (12 semester credits) For more information, contact the Wild Rockies Field Institute at: (406) 549-4336 or: [EMAIL PROTECTED] And, check out the WRFI website: www.wildrockies.org/wrfi
