Alaska & Arctic Canada - Canadian and Alaskan locations for environmental study and protection

Sierra, Jan, 2000

Witness a frontier of breathtaking mountains, midnight sun, and abundant wildlife on an outing to Alaska or Canada's Far North. All trips provide a wealth of opportunities for studying a fascinating diversity of wildlife and flora. Trips vary widely in terms of physical challenge, required skills, necessary gear, and expenses. Most include air charter within Alaska or Canada. Request a brochure for more information.

Midnight Sun Backpack, Arctic Wildlife Refuge. June 3-12. Come experience the amazing diversity of our last complete Arctic ecosystem. This is the best time to visit, with wildflowers in bloom and birds and wildlife abundant. Our moderate route traverses the glacier-carved mountains of the Brooks Range to the threatened North Slope calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd during their spectacular migration. Several layover days for exploration and photography. Leader: Wilbur Mills. Price: $1,995; Dep: $200. [00020A]

Caribou Special Backpack, Arctic Wildlife Refuge. June 12-23. This trip is timed to coincide with the traditional migration of the Porcupine Caribou Herd. We'll begin close to the calving grounds along the Jago River and weave our way up into the mountains of the Brooks Range. There are opportunities to experience caribou, sheep, predators, midnight sun, flowering tundra, and the serenity of a true wilderness journey. Leaders: Gary Keir and Keg Alexander. Price: $1,995; Dep: $200. [00021A]

The Birds and Wildlife of Alaska, and Wildflowers Too: Exploring the Last Frontier, Denali Park, Kenai Fjords Park, and Chugach Forest. June 12-29. Alaska is a premier destination for birders, botanists, and wildlife watchers. Explore tundra and taiga, mountain and marsh, rainforest, shoreline, and ocean as we travel from Anchorage to Nome, on to Thompson Pass, Denali, and ending at Kenai Fjords. In vans and boats, as well as on foot, we'll search for Alaska's specialty wildlife--puffins, eiders, bald eagles, orcas, hawk-owls, loons, humpbacks, and hopefully bristle-thighed curlews. Wildflowers should be at the peak of bloom. Accommodations in rustic lodges and hotels. Leaders: Carol Dienger and John O'Donnell. Price: $2,995; Dep: $200. [00022A]

Sound Tracking in Southeast Alaska, Tongass Forest. June 18-24. Spend a week kayaking and camping with bioacoustician Bernie Krause in Southeast Alaska. Learn the art of nature sound portraiture as you listen to terrestrial and marine life. Bernie will teach the basics of nature recording. Participants make their own tapes or CDs of birds, mammals, fish, crustaceans, as well as wind, water, and ice movements. Leader: Bill Shecket. Price: $1,795; Dep: $200. [00023A]

Sitka Family Base Camp, Tongass Forest. June 18-27. Bring your family to Sitka and discover the beauty and ancient history of Southeast Alaska. Sitka is perfect for children of all ages! There are boardwalk trails and coastal hikes, a fantastic totem pole "garden" and trail, protected flat water sea kayaking, and irresistible history and culture. Explorations will suit youngsters up to grandparents. Leaders: Dave and Sarah Gordon. Price: adult $1,095, child $995; Dep: adult $200, child $100. [00024A]

Alaska Sampler: Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell-St. Elias Parks Traveling Base Camp. June 18-July 1. A gentle introduction to Alaska, our expedition takes us through its diverse treasures. We'll experience an intriguing blend of environments from fjords to ice fields to the highest mountains in North America. By van, boat, and sea kayak we'll explore this land of endless panoramas and contrasts and abundant wildlife. Includes two nights at an island lodge, fjord cruise, and sea kayaking. Leader: Rebecca LeCheminant. Price: $1,795; Dep: $200. [00026A]

The Canning River Expedition, Arctic Wildlife Refuge. June 19-28. Start with a place called Arctic Village. Travel with a bush pilot to a river gravel bar and watch him leave as you stay. Raft down the North Slope of the Brooks Range toward the Arctic Ocean. Picture a sunlit midnight dinner on the Summer Solstice. Experience this remote, rugged yet fragile river drainage with its flora, fauna, and wildlife. Leader: Jon Kangas. Price: $2,195; Dep: $200. [00025A]

Knight Island Family Kayak Trip, Chugach Forest. June 20-27. Knight Island is located in a remote area of Prince William Sound. We will ride the train from Anchorage to Whittier, travel by motor launch to Knight Island, and kayak up the coast. Our route will include the remote bays of the island where we will see numerous bald eagles, seals, and otters. Suitable for families with children 12 and older. Leaders: Mike MacFadyen and Sharon Vaissiere. Price: adult $1,295, child $1,095; Dep: $200. [00027A]

Yukon Solstice Canoe Tour, Yukon Territory, Canada. June 25-July 2. Our paddle on the Yukon River takes us on an invigorating 200-mile float. As we look for wildlife including river otters, moose, fox, bald eagles, a variety of waterfowl, and bears, we'll immerse ourselves in the relics of the Klondike Gold Rush, visit an Athabascan village, tour a restored fort, and mingle with backcountry homesteaders. Suitable for beginner/intermediate paddlers. Canoe rental included. Leader: Susan Leveillee. Price: $1,195; Dep: $200. [00028A]