Natural history study on tap

April 18, 2006

By JOEL DAVIDSON

Frontiersman

MAT-SU - Every spring since the turn of the 21st century, a group of scientists and natural history buffs have bundled up and gathered at a quiet farm just north of Palmer, where they attempt to unlock the natural history of the Earth.

Each year, Alaska Pacific University's Outdoor Studies Program hosts the Alaska Natural History Symposium, in an effort to bring together a range of scientists, teachers and naturalists who spend an entire day looking into the forces of nature and their effects on human beings.

&#8220The philosophy is that the more people understand the natural world, the more they will care for it,” explained Paul Twardock, director of outdoor studies at APU.

On Saturday, a series of nature walks, lectures, slide shows and group discussions will delve into this year's theme, &#8220Alaska's Changing Landscapes and Cultures.” More than a dozen speakers will crack open topics ranging from the effects of natural disasters on wildlife to global warming. Presentations will also include information about volcanoes, birding, polar bears, plant identification, lake monitoring and many other topics.

The thread running through all the talks, however, is global climate change.

&#8220Our natural world is changing fast, and the Valley in particular is changing a lot,” Twardock said. &#8220To understand what is going on is a key way to build a better society and a better quality of life.”

Cultural change for Alaska's Native population is another theme of this year's symposium.

The goal of the event is to increase awareness of Alaska's natural history for educators, guides and the general public, while providing an opportunity for outdoor educators to meet others working in the field, share ideas and purchase educational materials.

The keynote speaker this year is Dr. Mike Loso, who plans to talk Saturday night about the effects of global warming on Alaska. Loso is president of the Wrangell Mountains Center and is an adjunct professor at APU. His talk is entitled &#8220Watching the snow melt: An ode to cold.” Loso's remarks will take place at the Colony Church on the grounds of the Alaska State Fair. Dinner and live music begins at 5:30 p.m. The keynote address runs from 7-8:30 p.m.

Earlier during the day, five separate sessions will allow attendees to participate in multiple presentations. Cost for the entire event, including dinner and live entertainment Saturday night, is $45. In addition, APU will offer one college credit for teachers for $80. Those receiving credit must attend the symposium and complete written assignments. For those attending the keynote address only, the cost is $15.

Events during the day take place at Spring Creek Farm. To get to the farm, take the Glenn Highway north out of Palmer. Turn left onto Farm Loop Road and then right on Lossing Road. Participants can register the morning of the symposium.

For more information, call (907) 564-8254 or e-mail alaskanaturalhistory@yahoo.com.

Contact Joel Davidson at

352-2266 or joel.davidson@

frontiersman.com.