Boreal Forest Ecology
Course Information
Although Denali may be known more for its snow-capped peaks and open tundra ecosystems, Denali is also home to beautiful and intact expanses of boreal forest. Join Denali National Park Fire Ecologist Sarah Stehn to discover how forest systems grow, thrive, and cope with challenges like insect outbreaks and wildfires.
Course Details
We’ll wander through different forest areas, explore treeline, and observe changes in plant life and vegetation structure. We’ll explore how living things (like plants and animals) connect with non-living elements (like soil and topography) and how these relationships influence the way forests change over time. Boreal forests provide critical habitat and ecosystem function throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Let’s dive in to understand the roles different plants play and how forest disturbance is crucial to forest health.
Physical Requirements
You must be physically prepared to hike off-trail up to 3 miles each day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain. Expect uneven footing, wet boggy tundra, dense undergrowth and minor stream crossings. Good coordination is recommended. Please review the Difficulty Level Scale for more information.
Like any outdoor activity, there are inherent risks associated with our field courses yet we actively manage our exposures and depend on you to play a role in our risk management. Read more here.
Professional Development Credit
One professional development credit is available for this course through the office of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) at the University of Alaska Anchorage for an additional fee of $79. Information on the credit requirements and how to register and pay for the credit are available from the links below. The course syllabus and registration instructions will be available in May.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations and/or substitutions that occur 60 days in advance of the course start date will be refunded the course fee, less a processing fee of $50 per space. For cancellations and/or substitutions 59 to 8 days before the course start date, the entire fee will be retained unless we can fill your space. There will be no refunds within 7 days of the course start date. Registration fees are not transferable to future years. If we have to cancel a course, your entire fee will be refunded. Refunds will be credited to the credit card used during the original transaction if less than 60 days since the original transaction. All other refunds will be made through a mailed check. All membership purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable.
To cancel your registration, email courses@akgeo.org, or call 907-683-9632 or 907-771-8485.