Revealing the Mesozoic World (Age of the Dinosaurs): June 24-26, 2015

with Dr. Patrick Druckenmiller

Check back soon for 2016 information and dates!

Participants of this two day course are asked to step back into time all the way before the Wrangell Volcanoes were created -- back when dinosaurs walked through polar forests! Through investigations of fossils, rocks and landforms, we'll learn how to interpret ancient environments and reveal the fascinating animals that lived during this time. University of Alaska Fairbanks paleontologist Patrick Druckenmiller will be our guide to understanding this amazing chapter in Alaska's history in the field, at evening presentations, and using hands-on specimens.

All levels of interest are welcome and no experience is necessary. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to hike 3-5 miles on uneven terrain.

Left: Photo by Ben Shaine. Right: Photo by Tim Bartholomaus

Instructor: Pat Druckenmiller is a vertebrate paleontologist with a research emphasis on Mesozoic marine reptiles (particularly plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs) and dinosaurs of Alaska. He became the Earth Sciences Curator in 2007 after moving up from Montana. Pat has conducted paleontological fieldwork across much of the western US and Canada and has active field sites across Alaska, including the southeastern panhandle, the Alaska Peninsula, the North Slope, and several locations in between.

Schedule: Participants should plan to arrive at Currant Ridge Cabins by 5 p.m. in time to get settled and enjoy dinner on Wednesday, June 24th. Dinner will be followed by a short lecture. Thursday and Friday will be spent in the field collecting.The workshop ends late afternoon on Friday, June 26th.

Cost: $375/person. Current WMC Members receive a 10% discount. The workshop price includes lunches and dinners and shared lodging at Currant Ridge Cabins on the 24th and 25th. McCarthy Locals can inquire about a special price without lodging.

Meals and Accommodations: Lunch and dinner will be provided and shared communally; workshop participants are responsible for the breakfast meal. Breakfast can be purchased from a limited number of local vendors or participants can bring breakfast provisions to store and cook at Currant Ridge. Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary needs and restrictions with advanced notice. This workshop includes shared accommodations at Currant Ridge Cabins on the 24th and 25th.

Location and Venue: This course is a Wrangell Mountains Center (WMC) program. The WMC is a private nonprofit institute whose mission is connecting people with wildlands through art, science and education. The workshop is based at the WMC's headquarters in the Old Hardware Store in McCarthy, Alaska. The town of McCarthy is set in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the U.S. Over 23% larger than Switzerland, Wrangell-St. Elias is world renowned for its wild landscapes, high peaks, massive glaciers and rivers, healthy ecosystems, dramatic scenery, and unique cultural history.

McCarthy is approximately a seven hour drive from either Anchorage or Fairbanks (plus time for sightseeing) by way of Copper Center, Chitina, and the famed McCarthy Road (significantly improved by Alaska DOT in the last few years). It's also possible to fly or arrange shuttles from Anchorage to McCarthy.

McCarthy and neighboring Kennecott, a national historic landmark, are situated within the Kennicott Valley (note the different spellings between the natural features and historical features.) McCarthy and Kennecott serve locals and travelers alike as a gateway to world-class backcountry opportunities and amazing frontcountry hikes and walks (including access to the Root Glacier); the Kennicott Valley also provides a window into some of the most unique chapters in Alaska's history and an authentic, lively contemporary community.

If you prefer to register by phone or on paper please call Kristin Link at 907-554-4464 or send us a message here.