Introduction

As I have spent the last 17 years in the military moving from place to place, I have chosen to do a field study on the one place I will always consider home. Settled more than 150 years ago by the industries of forestry and mining, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan today has also evolved to become a year-around getaway where people can still go to experience nature at it finest. I was born and raised in the U.P. and feel this area of the country will provide many opportunities to truly understand the many topics we have covered our last two years in the TiG program.

As the facilitator of this TiG field methods proposal, there are several topics I wish to cover for students and instructors who are taking part in this trip. This information will furnish everyone with an overview of what we are going to cover during our week-long excursion and prepare each participant for what they are responsible for during this field study.

Airport/Transportation

The journey begins at Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After arriving at the airport, we will procure one or two 15 passenger vans to begin our trip to the Upper Peninsula. I would want everyone to arrive at the airport no later than 4:00 p.m. CDT on the day before the beginning of our field study. This will allow for any flight delays which may occur and will provide us with a good starting point for our first day's activities.

General Destination

Our destination is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Our travels over the seven days will take us to a variety of locations situated around the perimeter of the peninsula. We will travel a lot of miles, but see many things in the process. On the final day, we will return to the airport by 9:00 p.m. CDT, so people can catch their flights home the next morning.

Time of Year, Clothing & Equipment Suggestions

The best time of year for this trip will be late June or July during the summer break for most schools. There are many things to see year-round in Upper Michigan, but the weather during this time will allow us the most freedom. As I stated on the Upper Michigan Weather page, daytime highs for July average right around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but at night it still drops into the 50s. Since we will be spending a lot of time near the shores of the lakes, temperatures will be further modified. I recommend a mix of short sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, shorts and pants to prepare for the temperature swings you may experience. A light jacket and/or rain jacket are recommended as sporadic showers and the occasional frontal passage will affect the peninsula while we are there. There will be a lot of trails to traverse, so a sturdy pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must.

Other items to think about for this trip are:

1. Some type of notebook for keeping a daily journal (required) during the trip.

2. Video or camera equipment to attempt the capture of some gorgeous scenery and wildlife.

3. Binoculars. I will also bring a pair or two of binoculars for students to use.

4. A planisphere. I will provide a few planispheres, but the more we have for our evening activities, the easier it will be for all.

5. A small flashlight. (easier to read the planisphere.)

6. Insect repellant. (The mosquitos have been known to carry away small animals. Just kidding...maybe)

Lodging/Fees

Each day lodging will be secured at a hotel in the local area where we are exploring. All entry fees to the various sites we will visit will be covered as a part of your activity fee. You are still responsible for the cost of your meals.

Trip Summary

Each day has been planned to be flexible, yet full of a variety of things to do and see. During some evenings (weather permitting) we will have a discussion about the stars, planets and any other natural phenomenon that may show up. (i.e. Aurora Borealis) Thanks to its extensive wilderness, the peninsula will allow us to view some spectacular displays of extraterrestrial phenomenon. We will also use this time to discuss the weather for the next day and how it correlates to our TiG coursework.

What follows is a brief summary of our week's activities and the purpose for each stop:

Day 1: Big John Iron Mine, Cornish Pump & Mining Museum, Bat Cave.

The main purpose of our first day is to explore the geology of the Precambrian and Cambrian times. We will also take a good look at how humans interact with their environment in positive and negative ways. If possible, we will look skyward for some planetary and constellation identification exercises during this time of year.

Day 2: A.E.Seaman Mineral Museum, Coppertown U.S.A., Rock & Mineral Club.

This day's stops provide a continuation into the unique geology of the Precambrian and Cambrian times, the processes which created this geology and how humans influenced the local environment.

Day 3: Isle Royale National Park

Day 3 will focus on the geology of Isle Royale National Park and its connection to the Canadian Shield. We will also discuss how glaciers aided in the development of the Great Lakes. The day will finish with some more nocturnal investigation of the heavens.

Day 4: Isle Royale National Park

Day 4 continues our geological exploration of the park. We will also discuss the hydrologic makeup of this portion of the peninsula and we will finish talking in depth about all the environmental studies that take place at the park.

Day 5: Munising Information Center and Munising Falls Interpretive Center, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The fifth day moves us forward on the geologic time line as we explore the Phanerozoic Eons on display along the southern Superior shoreline. We will also discuss the hydrologic makeup of this portion of the peninsula. There will be opportunities to discuss Oceanographic type phenomenon due to the large size of the Great Lakes as well.

Day 6: Seney Wildlife Refuge, Tahquamenon Falls State Park

This day will allow us to see how wetlands play an important role in the ecology of a region and how humans can play an active role in maintaining that delicate balance. Seney also provides more opportunity to talk about the environmental studies that are invaluable to learning our role in keeping our environment viable.

Day 7: Soo Locks, Mackinac Bridge, Lakeshore Dunes

The last day gives us an opportunity to see how we interact with nature to understand its processes and use it to build impressive structures for our benefit. While this is occurring, we will talk about environmental concerns that our actions place on the region's ecology and geology. We will finish by touching once again on the oceanographic type processes of dune formation and how we impact those formations.

Each day of our trip will have discussions about the weather that will affect the peninsula while we are there and tie that into our Meteorology studies.

Methods of Student Evaluation

50% = Field Methods Journal: Each student will be responsible for keeping a journal during the week. As a minimum, it will contain a summary of topics covered each day, as well as what specific TiG course you feel it could apply to and why. A final journal will be turned in no later than the last week of the semester.

25% = Student Participation: Each student will be expected to contribute to the discussion during formal and informal lectures.

15% = Student Demonstration: Each student will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of course materials through activities planned throughout the week.

10% = Course Evaluation: A primary way of improving any course is to fight for feedback. I can think of no better way to ensure this occurs than by making it a part of the final grade!

Now let's continue our journey by reading a primer on the peninsula's.......

Geology/Hydrology