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| Exploring a frozen lake on campus |
This course combines historical studies with hands-on experiences. While reading and researching inspirational stories of explorers from the past, students practice the skills that have been essential for wilderness survival from prehistoric times onward. Students learn to: build fires without the luxury of matches; design and build simple watercraft; paddle and navigate the area lakes and rivers; build trails; ski and snowshoe; and camp out safely in all types of weather. Like people of the past who lived close to the land, students test their mettle against the elements and come to better understand and appreciate the trailblazers who did it all without modern technology. This experience promotes Leave No Trace principles while fostering a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of the surrounding Northwoods and other wild lands.
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| Trying to synchronize paddling while learning about voyageur life |
A portion of this course focuses on our unique Northwoods setting. Topics include: the history of the indigenous peoples of northern Wisconsin; the logging and mining boom that drew European immigrants and fueled the growth of Midwestern cities like Chicago; repeated conflicts over control of the state’s rich natural resources; the growth of the Wisconsin environmental movement and the leadership of famous Wisconsin environmentalists like Aldo Leopold, Sigurd Olson, and Gaylord Nelson; and the history of Lowenwood itself. This course includes field trips to; the historical mining center of Houghton, Michigan; Aldo Leopold’s Sand County; and Northland College’s Sigurd Olson Institute.