Wilderness
and Civilization Program
Field Studies
Engagement with folks who are living what
we discuss in class—that is the backbone of the program.
Interaction with people of diverse perspectives and teachers
whom have solid understanding of issues in a setting outside
of the structures of a school classroom have contributed
to 99% of my learning this year.
~Nathan Taylor
Field trips have enabled me to see parts of Montana I
never could have seen and to meet people I never would
have met. The trips help put a real place or person with
the topics we discuss in classes. ~ Student
Field
Learning
Field trips throughout Montana and hands-on learning
are integral to Wilderness and Civilization. The program
begins with a ten-day backpack into the Bob Marshall Wilderness,
preparing students for intensive study and personal reflection
on wilderness. Through weekly field trips students learn
about area ecology, conservation strategies, and local perspectives.
Fieldwork puts students in contact with the people who are
directly involved in local issues and provides an opportunity
to learn the natural history of western Montana. Students
also gain valuable skills in plant identification, ecological
monitoring, and field journaling.
Past Field Trips Include
Wildlife and Recreation in Yellowstone ~Glacial
Lake Missoula Geology ~Forestry Ecology in the Rattlesnake
Drainage ~Ranching in the Bitterroot Valley ~Local Organic
Farming ~Mount Sentinel Weed Monitoring ~Missoula Valley
Homesteading History ~Community-based Conservation in the
Swan Valley ~Primitive Living Skills ~Road Removal in the
Clearwater National Forest ~Native Plant Rescue ~Flathead
Indian Reservation History and Culture ~Mining in the Yaak
Valley ~Sustainable Forestry Practices ~Owl Ecology at Nine
Pipes Wildlife Refuge ~Wildlife Survey in the Blackfoot
Valley ~Milltown Dam Removal and Restoration
Wilderness
& Civilization Field Studies FOR 273 Syllabus>>
Field trips are designed to connect students
with the ecology, politics, history and culture of the region.
Through weekly trips we explore a series of places and complex
issues related to the interface of our wildland and civilized
areas. Students explore such challenges as controlling noxious
weeds, managing fire on the urban interface, finding sustainable
forestry practices, and restoring healthy watersheds. Field
trips introduce students to a range of speakers--foresters,
ecologists, tribal members, conservation activists, land
managers, and others.
Field Trip News
Class trip to
Libby provides look at mining gone wrong Full
Story >>
FIELD FORMS
Adopt-A-Plant Entry Form
Adopt-A-Bird
Entry Form
Adopt-A-Mammal
Entry Form
Adopt-A-Plant
Resources
Rocky Mountain Front Species List
