Overview
Join Wilderness Inquiry and other outdoor experts on virtual adventures to explore topics & destinations near and far. During each session you will gain a deeper understanding of outdoor spaces by learning about unique ecosystems, natural & cultural history, and how we can venture out to enjoy these spaces. This program is designed for an adult audience.
Can’t join at the scheduled time? No problem! Each session is recorded and sent to all registrants for on demand viewing.
Cost: $10 per person/per session
Have a group? Please contact Anne ([email protected] or 612-676-9423) to discuss group pricing.
August: From Rainforest to Desert
Olympic National Park – August 4, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST
Experience the varying ecosystems that make up Olympic National Park. With nearly a millions acres of glacier-capped mountains, temperate rainforest, and wild coastline, this park is a diverse area to explore!. Join us to learn about this fascinating park with highlights such as its hot springs, tide pools, and rainforests.
Capitol Reef National Park – August 18, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST
Join author, photographer, and former park ranger, Stephen Trimble, as he brings us on a historical tour of Capitol Reef National Park. Located in Utah’s south-central desert, Capitol Reef National Park hosts some of the most spectacular geology in the world. It is also home to fascinating stories of native peoples, western trailblazers, and even connections to Butch Cassidy!
September: Cactus and Swamps
Big Bend National Park – September 8, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST
Join us from southwest Texas near the US/Mexico border to visit Big Bend National Park. Our tour will take us from the Chisos mountains to the Chihuahuan desert. Learn about canyons carved by the Rio Grande, steep limestone cliffs (home to ancient pictographs!) and the ever present wildlife including the elusive javelina.
Everglades National Park – September 22, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST
Alligators, manatees, and dolphins, oh my! Learn how the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. uses its varied ecosystems to provide habitat to the myriad of animals and more. Discover how mangroves, sawgrass marshes, pine flatwoods, and other ecosystems are intertwined as part of the freshwater flow from Lake Okeechobee. Join us for this jam-packed wildlife session with experts from the park!
October: Central America
Costa Rica – October 6, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST
Pura vida! Join us for the good life as we travel virtually to Costa Rica. We will highlight the magnificent mountains and exotic jungles as we tour this ecologically diverse country. Learn about the creatures that make this country home such as the tapir, sloth, scarlet macaw and capuchin monkey.
Belize – October 20, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST
Tropical rainforests, abundant beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins are just a few of the things to discover in Belize. In this session, we will learn about the history, culture, and ecology of this beautiful country situated in Central America along the Caribbean coast.
November: Across the Ocean
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – November 3, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST
Aloha! Get ready to travel across the Pacific for an adventure in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai’i. We’ll learn about the active volcanoes within the park, as well as the geology, history, and culture of the island.
New Zealand – November 17, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST
Join us in the Pacific island nation of New Zealand. Journey through its varied ecosystems of glaciers, fjords, mountains, subtropical forests, and sandy beaches. Home to the iconic kiwi bird, this session will whet your appetite for an in-person visit!
December: A Howling Good Time
Voyageurs National Park, December 8, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST
Explore the world’s newest dark sky park located in northern Minnesota! Adventure along the Canadian border that straddles Rainy, Kabetogama and Namakan lakes. Learn from Park Rangers about this iconic area that can be only accessed by boat, and chat with University of Minnesota researchers who discuss their work with the Voyageurs Wolf Project.
Dates & Fees
| 2021 Dates | Fee | Registration |
|---|---|---|
What to Expect
MATERIALS NEEDED: Participants need internet service, a device that connects to the internet, and a Zoom account in order to participate.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I make a Zoom account?
Zoom is an online video platform that creates a virtual space for multiple users to gather with video and audio capabilities. Use this Quick Start User Guide to create an account and learn more. It is preferred each participant has a Zoom account, but not necessary. Please let us know if you are unable to create an account.
Do participants need a Zoom account?
Having a Zoom account is preferred, but not necessary. If you are unable to create a Zoom account, please let us know during registration.
Are children allowed to register?
The Mississippi River Virtual Adventures are designed for adults 18 years and older. Visit our Mississippi River Youth Explorers, which is perfect for kids.
What accommodations are available for participants with disabilities?
Please reach out to Anne ([email protected] or 612-676-9423) to discuss accommodation needs.