The Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program trains students in ecological knowledge and wilderness skills through rigorous, hands-on, field-based education. The program prepares students to work in a variety of environmental fields in positions such as naturalists, outdoor educators, wilderness guides, and environmental field technicians. The nine-month program trains students in natural history, ecology, wildlife tracking, wilderness survival, ethnobotany, permaculture, and teaching / leadership skills. The course concludes with a naturalist evaluation to assess and certify each student’s level of skill and knowledge. The course is designed to stand alone as vocational training or fit into a multi-year academic degree.
It is important for the environmental professional to be able to identify and interpret the major living and non-living features of the natural environment within the region in which they operate. In this module of the course, students learn the basics of natural history, taxonomy, weather, geology, botany, and wildlife of North America.
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On completion of this module you will:
Wilderness survival skills are essential for persons working in the backcountry and can also save lives in natural disasters. This module of the program provides training in both traditional and modern survival techniques and includes a study of indigenous life-ways.
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On completion of this module you will:
Many types of wildlife are shy, elusive, and/or nocturnal. Understanding how to identify and interpret the tracks, trails, signs, and vocalization of animals is a valuable tool in wildlife research and monitoring, as well as wilderness guiding and education.
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On completion of this module you will:
In this module students learn how to properly identify, gather, and prepare wild plants for meals, medicines, and tools. This module of the course also covers basic herbal medicine, permaculture, and forest stewardship.
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On completion of this module you will:
Environmental professionals need to plan, communicate, and manage groups and projects. This section of the course covers leadership and communication styles, lesson/trip planning, wilderness first aid, and project coordination.
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On completion of this module you will:
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