Denali’s Mosses and Lichens
Course Information
Interior Alaska is a landscape defined by its lichens and bryophytes such as mosses and liverworts. Over 1,000 species inhabit the trees, tundra, and rocky slopes of Denali National Park and Preserve.
Course Details
This course is designed for curious outdoor enthusiasts and educators who wish to understand these diverse yet often overlooked organisms. Join Denali botanist James Walton to learn the basic biology, life histories, and ecology of bryophytes and lichens through a combination of landscape-scale exploration and focused study. We’ll strike out into a variety of habitats to observe these organisms in their natural settings and learn to recognize common and charismatic species while identifying their specific microhabitat preferences. No prior experience with bryophytes or lichens is needed, though a keen eye for detail and a passion for discovering the park’s ‘hidden’ biodiversity are highly encouraged!
Physical Requirements
You must be physically prepared to hike off-trail up to 5 miles each day, at a comfortable pace, with climbs up to 1500 feet. Expect uneven footing, wet boggy tundra, dense undergrowth, loose rocks, and stream crossings less than knee height. 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.
This course is sold out. Join the wait list here.