The Forest Story

August 9 at 7 a.m.

Instructor: Steve Wirt

In this immersive course, participants will explore a few recently burned areas in Glacier National Park to discover the beauty and resilience of ecosystems recovering after wildfire. Through guided observation and discussion, you’ll learn about fire ecology, the vital role of wildfires in forest regeneration, and the signs of ecological recovery. This course will deepen your appreciation for the landscape’s transformation, helping you see the burnt forest not as destruction, but as a vital and beautiful process of renewal.

Meeting Place: Glacier Institute Field Camp.

Itinerary: (subject to change due to trail closures and weather) We will meet at the Glacier Institute Field Camp at 7 a.m. and begin inside our classroom for lessons on fire ecology and safety. We will travel to a few spots within Glacier National Park and be able to view fire succession. We will see are as that are in varying stages of development. The course will end by 4 p.m. and will not be canceled due to weather.

Food:  Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water and snacks for the day.

Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280.

Equipment: You will receive a Field Camp gear list once you register. Most importantly are comfortable hiking shoes, at least 1-2 liter water bottle, backpack, rain gear, hat, and sunscreen. Weather can be varied, especially at the high elevations of Logan Pass, so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially warm layers.

Physical Requirements: Moderate: around 5 miles roundtrip, with 500 feet in elevation change.

Recommended Readings:
● Reading the Landscape, by May Watts
● The Silver Lining: Benefits of Natural Disasters, by Seth Robert Reice
● Sand County Almanac, by Aldo Leopold