Media are invited to cover the inaugural Environmental Science Camp at Northern Michigan University July 27-Aug. 2. The pilot residential program will introduce youth to the campus, community and natural assets that comprise “the Northern experience.” It is a collaborative effort involving Admissions, the Seaborg Center and the Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences department.

Students will paddle the AuTrain River and cruise on Lake Superior to monitor water quality issues; explore the landforms, vegetation and archaeology of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; tour a local mine to learn where minerals originate, how they are extracted and how mining affects the environment and society; understand the role of the Great Lakes in shipping resources; explore sustainability issues using local plants and resources for food; learn how people have interacted for thousands of years with U.P. landscapes; and experience modern-day Marquette while learning about urban planning, historical aspects of urban growth and human impact on the environment as cities grow. 

The schedule of activities follows (after the Sunday night check-in). For more information, contact Chris Standerford in the NMU Seaborg Center at 227-2002.

Monday, July 28

7 am Breakfast

8 am Hike Marquette Mtn. (intro observations and sustainability)

Permaculture Site w/ locally made lunch

1 pm Dancing Crane Farm tour

4 pm Work in Design Lab

6 pm Dinner

7 pm Evening at Presque Isle

Tuesday, July 29

7 am Breakfast

8 am NMU Greenhouse and Native Plant area work

Boxed lunch on route to Autrain River

1 pm Canoe/kayak Autrain River

4 pm Work in Design Lab

6 pm Dinner

7 pm Evening hike up Sugarloaf Mtn

Wednesday, July 30

7 am Breakfast

8 am Urban Geography Downtown Marquette

Donckers Lunch downtown

1 pm Marquette Regional History Center

4 pm Work in Design Lab

6 pm Dinner

7 pm Beach Bonfire

Thursday, July 31

7 am Breakfast

8 am Leave for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Boxed Lunch

1 pm Continue exploring Pictured Rocks and trip back

4 pm Work in Design Lab

6 pm Dinner

7 pm Movie Night

Friday, August 1

7 am Breakfast

8 am Geology of the area

Boxed Lunch at Michigan Iron Industry Museum

1 pm Tilden Mine Tour

4 pm Work in Design Lab

6 pm Dinner

7 pm Final work on projects

Saturday, August 2

7 am Breakfast

9 am set up

10 am Start of Project showcase and open house for parents