News-Record.com

An invitation to formal and informal educators from the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh: 

Join the Museum of Natural Sciences as we explore natural areas our state! Our itinerary includes stops at a number of state parks: Mt. Mitchell, Stone Mountain, Hanging Rock, Falls Lake, Jones Lake, and Hammocks Beach. We'll spend a lot of time in and on the water kayaking the Dan River (class 1 rapids - no experience necessary but loads of fun!) and canoeing on Salters Lake (a Carolina Bay in eastern NC), plunging in swimming holes, cooling down in waterfalls, and everywhere examining the geology and ecology that shape the streams, rivers, lakes, and coast of our state! No camping experience is necessary - we'll have an "advance team" of Museum staff to help with the camp setup and cooking (and there will be showers at almost all campsites!). There will be moderate to strenuous activities over the course of the week, including hiking, kayaking, and canoeing. It should be an amazing adventure! We hope you'll join us.

Location: Various natural sites around NC
Date: Sunday, July 20–Saturday, July 26, 2008
Cost: $250 (includes transportation from Raleigh, camping fees, 
most meals, take-home materials and kayak rental)

Spend a week traveling from the highest point in the mountains, the spruce-fir forest atop Mt. Mitchell, to the barrier islands along our coast. As we explore the diversity of North Carolina, we'll examine changes in the geology and ecology, including a close look at the characteristics and inhabitants of our streams, rivers and estuaries. We will camp our way across the state to experience the changes in local climates — from cool mountain air to salty ocean breezes. Most camping equipment can be provided by the Museum;  participants need to provide sleeping pad and bag.

For more information or to sign up, call Melissa Dowland at (919) 733-7450 ext. 613
or e-mail at melissa.dowland AT ncmail.net