Alaska Adventure 2009 Learning and Adventure in America’s Last Great Frontier

Adventures to Planet Earth Alaska Adventure 2009 Overview 8 day program Hotel and cabin accommodations Large deluxe motorcoach Finest field guides From ocean, to glaciers, to tundra of Denali, to culture of native Alaskans

Alaska Adventure Itinerary Our route takes us north from Anchorage, to Denali National Park, and south to Seward and the Kenai Peninsula

Brief Highlights of Program Kenai Fjords National Park-tidewater glaciers Cruise to see glaciers “calving” into the sea Lunch at Fox Island Whales and dolphins in Gulf of Alaska Touch a moving glacier Denali National Park wildlife viewing

Brief Highlights page 2 Denali tundra wildlife safari-Alaska’s “big five” Alaska Railroad journey-Denali to Anchorage Alaskan cultural center-meet native Alaskans

Earth Explore Foundation Adventures to Planet Earth Sponsoring Teacher- led educational programs since 1995 Founded by teachers and outdoor educators Mission is to connect students with Planet Earth 4 thousand students have participated

Adventures to Planet Earth Fun and Learning in Inspiring Places

Just the Facts-Earth Explore Teacher led Low adult to student ratio Credit opportunities Always hands-on World’s finest partner universities and outdoor educators An ideal mix of learning and fun adventure Preparation Meetings get students ready for the trip

Programs are mission based, emphasizing cross disciplinary study of Planet Earth. Not just a Student “Tour” Study Planet Earth, its history, natural environments and cultures Create enduring connections with the natural world Encourage young people to become involved with Planet Earth and its future

What happens when? Groups form August through December All Adventures usually full by January 1st Teacher conducts preparation sessions in late winter and spring Usually 4-6 two hour get-togethers Student receives the Naturalist newsletter quarterly, and program Adventure Guide

What happens when? Travel Packet arrives in May Detailed day to day itinerary Official program cap, field journal, photo credentials, luggage tag, T-shirt

Earth Explore Online PDFs to download Academic Credit Outline Fundraising Packet Program Newsletters Student Application Health Form (spring)

Earth Explore Adventures Student application process Applications accepted until local group is full, then waitlist is begun If student is not known to teacher, interview is required Limited number of spaces for each Adventure each season Student application is mailed, faxed, or submitted online

Student application process - continued Lead teacher will have materials or they can be requested from the National Office or downloaded online Friends or siblings can participate, but they must be interviewed if not known to the teacher

Our Alaska Adventure Begin in Anchorage City Overview and Orientation Native Alaska Heritage Center Alaska’s diverse native cultures

Anchorage to Talkeetna Overnight at frontier outpost of Talkeetna, gateway to Denali and expeditions to the Alaska range Iditarod headquarters tour

Denali National Park Tundra Wildlife Viewing Spotting of Alaska’s “Big Five” animals Naturalist programs on tundra ecosystem, wildlife and habitats Viewing of 20,320 foot Mt. McKinley (Denali) History and Ecology of Region

To Anchorage via Rail Afternoon/evening transfer via Alaska Railroad with dinner onboard

Anchorage to Seward Spectacular Chugach National Forest Historic Seward Alaska SeaLife Center on Resurrection Bay

Seward to Kenai Fjords Natl Park Glacier Cruise-naturalist led program on glaciers and Alaska’s ocean environments-viewing of humpback whales, orcas, porpoises

Kenai Natl Park Glacier Cruise

Calving Tidewater Glaciers Aialik Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park

Seward to Anchorage Hike to Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park to touch ancient glacial ice Discussion of climate change, global issues

Portage Glacier and icebergs

America’s last great frontier Alaska Adventure 2009