The Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (EEGS) and the Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center co-hosted the Tenth Environmental Science Camp. Eighteen high school students from the region immersed themselves in the college experience for one week in July. They lived in The Woods, ate meals at Northern Lights Dining, and explored the surroundings. The campers visited sites around the Marquette area to learn about geology, solar energy, watersheds, forest ecology, environmental management, and coastal restoration.
The first morning of camp, geologist Mr. Richard Ziegler led a tour of geologic features of Negaunee and Ishpeming, including hematite and magnetite and outcrops of pillow basalt and other ancient rocks. The tour concluded with a lunchtime stop at Jasper Knob.
With Dr. Ryan Stock as the guide Tuesday morning, the campers had the opportunity to learn about different types of energy production at the Marquette Board of Light and Power. Then in the afternoon, Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt escorted the campers to an off-the-grid home outside of town owned by Steve Waller, a retired technical and environmental educator.
On Wednesday the students learned how to interpret topographic maps and measure how far they would travel along the AuTrain River, a meandering stream, later that day. Then with Mr. Ziegler and Dr. Mittlefehldt as guides, the group paddled down the Au Train River to the mouth at Lake Superior. They enjoyed the day on the water, stopping for a picnic and refreshing swim.
When wildfire smoke necessitated a change in Thursday’s activities, Dr. Jongeun You stepped up in the morning to provide a high-energy presentation on environmental management on the Upper Peninsula and the use of artificial intelligence in environmental research. After a pasty lunch from Iron Town Pasties, campers met the Wildpups and their handlers.
On the final full day, Kathleen Henry (EEGS alumna) discussed efforts by the Superior Watershed Partnership to promote coastal resilience as the climate changes. Thunderstorms and heavy rain necessitated some changes to the schedule once again. The campers checked out the NMU Bookstore and the Sustainability Demonstration Area. Once the skies cleared, the campers hiked in the Longyear Tract with Dr. Adam Naito to learn about forest ecology.
On Saturday, the campers presented their posters at the Showcase of Learning before departing. The posters highlighted concepts they learned, new ideas and perspectives to which they were exposed, and their take-aways and lessons learned from the camp. Allie Mark, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, gave each camper a certificate of completion with an invitation to return to NMU as college students.
Thank you to the following contributors for supporting the Tenth Environmental Science Camp:
- Ashlyn Albert, Camden Bruner, Benny Burke, Danielle Ehaney, Meghan Maas, and Sadie Peddycord, NMU students and alumna who served as dedicated counselors.
- Renee Jewett and Chris Standerford, Seaborg Center staff.
- Joel Kaskinen, Coordinator of Residence Life, who provided logistical support for housing assignments and dormitory access.
- Katie Moe and staff at the PEIF for conducting First Aid/CPR training and the swim tests.
- The Wildpups and their handlers who visited the camp.
- NMU Foundation for their financial support for scholarships for campers demonstrating financial need.
- Allie Mark, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, who presented the campers with a certificate of completion and conditional admission to NMU.
- Kelsey Avey, the Coordinator of Exploratory Advising, who provided counselor training support, assistance at camp check-in, and valuable guidance.
- Jana Nicholls, EEGS Executive Administrative Assistant.
- Kari Garcia, Director of Admissions.
- Brooke Whaley and staff at University Marketing and Communications, who helped advertise the event.
- Dr. Susy Ziegler, who provided valuable advice and information as the camp was planned.
- Dr. Adam T. Naito, who directed the camp.