MISSOULA ―

The University of Montana’s School of Extended & Lifelong Learning will offer an experiential learning opportunity unique in nature and curriculum this summer. The course, Discover the Crown of the Continent: A Glacier National Park Experience, will take participants on a three-day journey Monday through Wednesday, June 18-20, through areas of Glacier not often explored by the average park visitor.

UM geography lecturer Rick Graetz and scientists from the Glacier Institute will lead the noncredit course, giving participants an insider’s view of Glacier National Park through their combined years of research, observation and first-hand knowledge.

Graetz, founder of Montana Magazine and American Geographic Publishing, is a writer, photographer and world traveler whose focus is the geography of each land he visits. Graetz also helped develop the Crown of the Continent Initiative, which seeks to “make important and interesting information about the Crown available to the general public in a variety of accessible forms.”

In the same vein, course participants will stay at the Glacier Institute Big Creek Camp, located on the park’s western border, and take day trips from there. The physical activity required is suitable for most people who exercise regularly. Hiking will be limited to less than 4 miles, though there will be opportunities for more strenuous hikes for those who wish to participate.

Discover the Crown of the Continent: A Glacier National Park Experience costs $465, including all lodging and meals. It is a non-credit course, and space is limited. The course will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, June 18, so most participants will need to arrive at the Big Creek Camp by the evening of Sunday, June 17.

To learn more or to register for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, go to http://www.umt.edu/ce/programs/glacier.aspx.

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CM/als

Western Montana

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