Activity Highlights and Descriptions

Drive to Whittier
The route from Anchorage to Whittier rounds the western end of the Chugach Mountains as this coastal range meets the sea along Turnagain Arm. The tides of Turnagain Arm are some of the highest in the world, and often generate tidal bores, as the incoming tide meets the outgoing tide. A stop at Bird Point offers an opportunity to learn about this phenomenon and possibly to view a bore tide. Portage Glacier, now receding from view around a bend in its valley, is highlighted at the Begich/Boggs Visitor Center in the Chugach National Forest. This is followed by a drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. At 2.5 miles, this is North America’s longest vehicle tunnel, cutting through the mountain that separates the eastern extent of Turnagain Arm drainage from the westernmost reach of Prince William Sound.
Ferry ride to Valdez
This relaxing sea voyage traverses the northern edge of Prince William Sound, a spectacular setting of ocean and mountains combining to fashion an unforgettable region of fjords, glaciers, and blue water. A ride aboard the newest vessel in the Alaska Marine Highway System, the catamaran MV Chenega, provides views not only of extraordinary scenery but also the chance to sight humpback whales, orcas (killer whales), seals, sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, and other denizens of this northern paradise. The ferry goes past Bligh Reef, the site of the 1989 oil spill disaster. Passengers disembark at the city of Valdez, the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.
Drive to Wellwood Center
The drive northeast from Valdez follows the Richardson Highway, the first major road constructed in Alaska, tracing the 1898 pack trail route to interior gold fields. Passing the stunning waterfall cascades of Keystone Canyon, the road climbs from sea level to a height of 855 meters (2,805 feet) in Thompson Pass. A stop at Worthington Glacier provides a close-up view of this impressive river of ice, as well as a chance to evaluate evidences of a warming climate in the steady recession of the glacier’s terminus. Crossing the Chugach Mountains, the moist rainforest of Valdez is replaced with the arid interior of the Copper River Basin. The Richardson Highway is left behind with an eastward turn onto the Edgerton Highway. Here, the step-like descent traverses ancient beaches from Lake Ahtna, a huge glacier-dammed reservoir that once filled the area. Ahead, four major peaks of the mighty volcanic Wrangell Mountains form a majestic panorama, a memorable welcome to the destination: Wellwood Center.
Orientation
As the camp begins, participants learn more about the goals and activities of School of the Earth, the planned schedule of events, the rules of the trail at Wellwood Center Nature Preserve, and guidelines for group consultation. This is a time also for Q&A.
Consultation: Stewardship
During this session involves a discussion of the relationship of humanity to the natural world and how the concept of stewardship can help to revitalized that relationship.
Interpretive walk around Wellwood Center Nature Preserve
This walk with a knowledgeable guide through Wellwood Center Nature Preserve is a chance to become better acquainted with the unique and fascinating natural world of Alaska’s Copper River Country. Recreate the geologic events that shaped the unique world through which you walk. Get to know native flora and fauna and find out how they adapt to the severe subarctic environment. Investigate the important role of beavers in this ecosystem. Probe some of the mysteries of the strange hydrology of Willow Creek, and why it may have things to tell us about climate change in the world at large. Search for clues to the year-round character of this wild realm, and observe traces left by harsh winters, now all but hidden in the greenery of summer.
Open time
Time is provided in the schedule for participants to direct their own activities, to visit with others, to explore the property, to meditate or simply to rest. The center provides a rich library of videos and books and artifacts, as well as on-line materials prepared for participants’ enjoyment and independent exploration.
Collaborative decision making
The focus in this session is on a structured process that can assist groups in making decisions while maintaining unity. This process is described and practiced.
Individual action planning
Participants develop their own plans for living a life of meaningful and beneficial impact, based on their own interests, insights and life circumstances. A step-by-step format is offered to facilitate the development of this plan.  Group feedback and support at the camp assists each participant to integrate the plan into their daily life following School of the Earth.
Campfire
A fire circle in the camp area of Wellwood Center Nature Preserve will be the site, weather permitting, of some presentations, consultations, and evening get-togethers.
Outdoor activities: Visualizing our place in the universe
In this series of interesting and innovative activities, unimaginable scales of time and space in the universe are translated into familiar distances and sizes in order to help participants better visualize and appreciate the status of humanity—and of each individual human—in the broad sweep of the universe.
Presentations
Talks by individuals of recognized expertise will help to focus ideas and consultation on challenges faced by humanity in its struggle to live well and create a successful civilization on our home planet. Talks, whether presented on-site or via electronic connection, will relate to various facets of the global challenge, such as economic, environmental, governmental, social, and spiritual aspects. Interactive question and answer time will be part of each presentation.
Excursion: Native fish camp
A visit to a subsistence fish camp along a glacial river will help participants to appreciate the long history of close dependence on the bounty of the land of Ahtna and other native peoples, their methods of salmon harvest, and their attention to ensuring the continued health of the wild areas that provide sustenance.
Campfire presentation: Indigenous viewpoints
For centuries the Copper River Basin has been inhabited by the Ahtna, one of the tribes of the great Athabaskan group of Native Americans. A discussion with a person of Ahtna descent will focus on changes seen in the Copper River region in recent decades, Ahtna hopes for the future, and ideas of how best to achieve those hopes.
Excursion: Earth-friendly farm
A trip to a local farm gives a chance to explore and appreciate how one family has faced the daunting challenges of farming in the subarctic, made still more daunting by their commitment to produce food and other crops in an earth-friendly way.
Group art project
Art is a vehicle for us to express emotions and ideas, to create, to explore our perceptions—and to have fun.  Participants will have the opportunity to create together a piece of art that uses the natural world for both medium and inspiration.
Individual exploration of Wellwood Center Nature Preserve
Participants may wish to explore the trails, woods, and riparian ecosystem of Wellwood Center Nature Preserve on their own.  There are approximately 1.5 miles of trail within over 110 acres of Nature Preserve property.  These trails connect with a wider regional trail system.
Group service project
Taking specific action towards a shared goal can be deeply satisfying. During School of the Earth, each participant will contribute to a service project, consulted on by the group, that in some way, even if a small way, makes the world better.
Excursion: River rafting
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a guided raft trip on the Copper River, Tonsina River, or another river in the area. This will offer a unique chance to get a salmon’s-eye view of this singular ecosystem. Possible sightings include bald eagles, bears and moose, as well as canyons, forests, and scenes of the Wrangell Mountain region. No prior experience is necessary.
Optional Excursion: McCarthy/Kennecott
Ninety miles from Wellwood Center, perched above a glacier deep in the heart of Wrangell St. Elias National Park, lies the abandoned remains of what once was the largest copper mine in the world. In addition to a chance to explore spectacular country and fascinating history, a visit to McCarthy and Kennecott provides a striking reminder of the power of the natural world to rejuvenate itself and reclaim the constructions of humankind. For those wishing to spend at least one extra day in the area, a round-trip van ride is available from Wellwood Center.