White Mountains Sense of Place
In this three-part series focusing on the natural history of the White Mountains, participants can choose to attend one, two, or all three sessions. Each full day course starts at WMCC’s North Conway Academic Center before heading out into the field for experiential learning.
Session I - Geology of the White Mountains
In this session, we will discuss hundreds of millions of years of earth history that led to the development of the White Mountains landscape that we see today. Although we will identify a few of the most common rocks and minerals, we will emphasize how to observe and interpret the White Mountains landscape to understand the dramatic events (volcanoes, mountain uplift, erosion/glaciation) that produced the White Mountains as we see them today. We will begin with a PowerPoint presentation and discussion indoors and then caravan by car to a few geologic stops in the Mount Washington Valley and nearby White Mountains. Students should be prepared to walk on uneven ground for up to one mile while visiting field sites. We will picnic (bring your own lunch) at one of the field stops.
Session II - Forest Ecology: Trees are Talking to Each Other
Have you ever wondered how forests “work”? In this day-long session, we’ll visit and explore different forest types (old-growth forest and regrowth forest) in the White Mountains to observe and interact with the living organisms that make up these wild, complex communities. We’ll blend modern scientific methods with indigenous wisdom to better understand forest communities. Students should be prepared to walk on uneven ground for up to one mile while visiting field sites. We will picnic (bring your own lunch) at one of the field stops.
Session III - Winter Ecology: How Animals Survive
Have you ever wondered how wildlife can make it through six months of freezing cold snow and ice? In this day-long course, you’ll gain insights into the amazing adaptations of wild animals and plants during winter months. Through both classroom discussion and field exploration, we’ll better understand the amazing feats of science and the resilience that allow many animals and plants to remain active all winter long. Students should be prepared to walk on uneven ground for up to one mile while visiting field sites. We will picnic (bring your own lunch) at one of the field stops.