Department of Geography
Summer 2006 Field Course
Acadia National Park
Mt. Desert Island, Maine
Saturday June 3rd to Saturday June 10, 2006
3-credits: PGEOG 351 or PGEOG 751
Instructor: Tom Walter (772-5457) - www.geography.hunter.cuny.edu/~tbw/maine/
An informational meeting will be held Wednesday March 15th in the 1090B-1 lab
at 7:00PM. Talk to me if you are interested in participating in the course but
can not attend the meeting.
There will be three (3) class meetings of 2 hours each scheduled in the evening on the following dates:
Wednesday April 5th - 7:00PM Room 1090B-1 ($400 fee due at this time)
Wednesday April 26th - 7:00PM Room 1090B-1
Wednesday May 3rd - 7:00PM Room 1090B-1
COURSE SUBJECT:
- Ground truthing an unsupervised computer classification of satellite
images of Mt. Desert Island using GPS technology.
- Biogeography of MDI, does slope aspect affect vegetation cover.
- Using map, compass and GPS in the field.
- General coastal and glacial geology, ecology, natural and cultural history of the Acadia National Park region.
Your course grade will be based on your field notebook, final data analysis
and a project/term paper to be agreed upon between student and instructor.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
- A course in geography/geology.
AND
- Permission of the instructor.
ITINERARY:
Saturday 6/3 Arrive at campsite by 4:00 PM. Set up camp.
9:30PM - Campfire meeting, compare plan with upcoming weather, and more.
Sunday 6/4 8:00AM - ANP Visitors Center, Park Overview,
11:00AM - Sand Beach hike to the Bee Hives, GPS/test points.
Monday 6/5 Ground truthing, plus......
Tuesday 6/6 Ground truthing, plus ......
Wednesday 6/7 Geomorphology Field Trip to West Quoddy Head
Thursday 6/8 Ground truthing, plus......
Friday 6/9 Ground truthing, plus......
Saturday 6/10 Leave campsite by 12 Noon.
Itinerary must be flexible to take into consideration the changeable Maine weather. Events may be rescheduled or canceled. We leave camp at 8:00AM sharp and return between 5:00-6:00PM most evenings.
Students can register for a 3 credit 300-level course in Geography or Geology or
a 700-level course in Geography (for MA students only). PhD students can not
receive credit towards their degree.
Total cost for the trip includes the following:
- 3-credits of Hunter tuition
- purchase of any personal equipment
- cost of transportation which depends on the availability of students to use private cars and share rides to Acadia.
- supplies/equipment needed for group
- food and entertainment at Acadia
The transportation/supplies/equipment cost for the trip can vary considerably,
determined by how many vehicles we will need to rent. At a minimum we rent
one van to haul all of the general gear. If we don't have enough personal vehicles
and need to rent more vans, the cost will go up. The transportation/supplies/equipment cost is estimated at $400 per person. A final cost will be estimated by the last class meeting in May. If any money is left after paying expenses, it will be divided among the students and refunded within a week of returning from ANP.
We need people with reliable vehicles to volunteer to drive to Maine. Drivers will be reimbursed for all gas/toll costs. If we don't have enough vehicles we will
have to rent additional cars/vans and will need licensed drivers, over the age of 25 who have a major credit card to rent the van (costs to be paid from fee). The cost for the trip would then increase. I'll distribute a required and optional equipment list at the information meeting. We often share equipment to help reduce costs. For example, I have one or two extra sleeping bags that can be borrowed.
GENERAL REMARKS:
We will CAMP at the Blackwoods campsite in Acadia National Park. This will be "car camping". The department has some camping gear including two 4-person tents and kitchen equipment for a large group. Cold running water wash houses with flush toilets are a short (30 seconds!) walk from the campsite. Hot showers are available just outside the entrance to the park.
We will need to decide who should bring their own tents, large ones preferred.
Acadia limits the number of tents allowed in campsites so we all can't bring our personal tents. Each individual will need to provide their own sleeping bag and pad.
The campsite is situated in the forest, within a 10 minute walk of the ocean.
Bugs and animals abound but have never been a major problem.
You should be prepared for a wide variety of weather conditions. Summer day temperatures range from 45oF to 80oF, night temperatures can drop to 30oF.
You may encounter rain, snow or fog at any time, but the sun does shine!
Bring winter clothes! including gloves, warm over-the-ears hat and winter coat. Also bring a bathing suit..... you never know!
HEALTH:
It is essential that all individuals be in good health and reasonably fit.
Any health-related need or potential problem should be discussed candidly with
Tom Walter before you decide to sign up. Such conversations will remain strictly
confidential. Fitness is also important. Our days will be long. We will walk as
many as 5-6 hours a day, in some cases over rocky terrain. In some cases we will
be doing some minor climbing. There will be no exposure to excessive physical
stress or to known risks. Some walks will, however, require a degree of physical
exertion. People who possess at least a normal level of physical
fitness should have no problem. However, if you are truly "out of shape" or have
a condition that may be aggravated by physical exertion, you should discuss your
situation with Tom Walter. Some of the hikes might challenge people who are
afraid of heights. There are always alternative routes, just in case.
FOOD:
Meals can be handled in a variety of ways. You may prepare all meals in camp if you wish. We will have gas stoves, coolers and some kitchen utensils. Groups of people can cooperatively organize meals. You can also eat your meals in town. There are many places to eat and a good dinner can be had for about $10.00 (more, of course if you choose a four star restaurant). Most people alternate.
Breakfast and lunch will be left up to the individual. You may prepare your own hot or cold breakfast in camp and purchase supplies for a trail lunch. If you'd like to team up with others in breakfast preparation, so much the better.