Loren Eiseley once remarked, "If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water." Eiseley's observation is an underlying premise of this program - that there is something very special about moving water. Learning about rivers by spending time on them with a team of faculty provides a powerful lens for examining broader questions about the nature of humans and environment. 

At College of the Atlantic, we believe that students learn best when they get as much individual attention from faculty as possible. Groups of students will rotate through a variety of activities and learning experiences, while individuals or smaller groups of students will participate in intensive tutorials. This program is limited to 16 students.

Over the course of twelve days you will:

• Spend a full week exploring the Allagash River much like Thoreau did during his wilderness journey.
• Explore the historical, economic and political significance of a wilderness waterway.
• Learn about the flora and fauna of the northern Maine woods.
  
• Review current legislation and policy regarding one of America's most wild places.
  
• Become competent in wilderness camping, paddling and river navigation.
  
• Challenge yourself, both intellectually and personally, through hands-on group experiences, study, and reflection.
  

Program Overview

The course begins on the COA campus with an introduction to the history and policy of the northern Maine woods. Through reading and discussion, students will gain an introduction to the natural history, conservation, literature, and emotional and psychological aspects of wilderness and river systems.

While on Mount Desert Island, students will explore Acadia National Park, which provides a connection to the outdoors for millions of visitors each summer. These experiences and observations will be contrasted with the experience of a downriver canoe-camping expedition on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine - one of the last remaining premier wilderness waterways in North America. Writings by Thoreau as well as contemporary authors will provide context for the canoe expedition. The expedition will serve as our laboratory to experience and explore group dynamics in a wilderness setting and to examine leadership, authority, and community as well as the transformative power of shared adventure.

Throughout the course, students will work directly with College of the Atlantic faculty, write extensively about their experiences, and work together as a team. Upon returning to campus, students will compile samples of their writings and photographs to be shared in a final group presentation for their professors, peers, and the public at the end of the session.