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Gunnison River Canoeing: Denver Museum Ecosystem Interactions--Finding the Balance

Jul 22 - 24, 2022

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Trip Fees

Adult

$496

Kids

Discount*

Student

Deposit**

$100

** Deposits must be made per person.

Adults Only For additional information such as itinerary, what to bring, maps, etc., see "QUICK LINKS" on right sidebar.

This field course is suitable for teachers earning credits and also for the adult general public (age 12+) just wanting a fun learning opportunity. Your facilitators are Tim Blesse, Naturalist and Denver Museum educator and Brandon Davis, a teacher programs consultant for the Denver Museum. Explore the interactions that occur every day in nature. See how human activity, past and present, has continuously impacted these interactions. Deepen your understanding of ecology and critical environmental resource issues and participate in journaling and citizen science projects. Gain knowledge about topics such as: ecosystems & biomes, adaptations, environmental policy, geology, and astronomy.

In addition to the great fun available to all participating adults, K-12 teachers also have the option of earning 1 graduate level semester credits from the CO School of Mines which may be applied toward state teaching re-licensure. The graduate level credits are free-of-charge.

A free pre-trip Zoom webinar will be available for teachers July 19, 2022 (6 PM-10 PM) is available to all trip participants but is required for anyone taking the course for 1 credit. Please RSVP for the pre-trip class to Tim Blesse.

Canoeing in Colorado on the Gunnison River will spark your sense of adventure with opportunities for hiking and exploring, floating in your lifejacket and camping along the river’s edge. During this Colorado canoe trip, you will be dwarfed by high walls of red sandstone and shale deposited during the age of the dinosaurs. These canyons in the Colorado Plateau are truly magnificent and not soon forgotten. Massive cottonwoods stand on many river bends supporting the huge nests of blue herons, hawks and eagles. You may hike into Dominguez Canyon, Colorado’s newest designated Wilderness Area, one of the most beautiful stops on the river. Hiking into the canyon will reveal deep, cool swimming holes, waterfalls and many ancient Indian petroglyphs (rock art panels). This 3-day trip is 31 miles filled with beauty and adventure!

Tim Blesse is a teacher programs consultant at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where he facilitates professional learning experiences for Teachers, Schools & Districts. He is also a trained naturalist. He worked as an interpretive naturalist and hiking guide for over 20 years leading adult and family guests on interpretive walks and climbs in Rocky Mountain National Park. He shares a passion with the museum who envision an empowered community that loves, understands, and protects our natural world.

Brandon Davis is also a teacher programs consultant at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where he partners with teachers and schools to help authentically sharpen educational practices. He is an amateur arborist with a passion for hiking, rock climbing and experiencing the great outdoors in new and exciting ways. He believes that instilling a love of nature is one of the best things a teacher can do to help ensure that our planet not only survives, but thrives.