Interactive and Discovery Courses

Sponsored by Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters, Ely, MN

Courses offered:

• Women Exploring the Northwoods: an Interactive Experience (June 23-30, 2012)
• The Changing Northwoods: Up-close & Hands-on (August 25-September 1, 2012)

Of the fourteen terrestrial biomes found on the blue and green orb we call Earth, and home, two of the most vast transitions occur  in northern Minnesota.  The largest biome on the planet, the boreal or taiga, circles the globe in North America, Asia, and Europe.  The eastern temperate hardwood forest, most favored by man and hence most disturbed on the planet, is at its northern terminus, blending to the boreal.  To only increase the allure, some of the oldest bedrock on the planet begins the complex story written in the rocks here on the northern shores of the great lake Gitchigumi (from the Anishanabe Ojibwe meaning great waters). Over 2 billion years are recorded here of great volcanic events and continental ice sheets.

In this land of lake and pine, in this region where one million acres is preserved as true wilderness, laying in the midst of a 3-million acre national forest, one can discover that increasingly rare vision of ‘nature’.  Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) boasts over 2000 lakes, 3400 miles of streams, and is named as one of 100 globally important bird areas by the American Bird Conservancy.  Here is the largest population of gray wolf in the lower 48, moose, black bear, loons, eagles, and all the wildlife for which great northern wilderness areas are known.

A Week of Discovery

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters, Ely, MN, is proud to present a series of week-long Ecotours, or educational events.  With the backdrop of the wilderness, participants will learn the ‘science’ of this planet while experiencing the majesty of the wilderness, in places reflecting pre-settlement North America.  Through these programs, we define our mission statement:

Our Mission

Our mission is multifaceted with signature goals focused on the preservation of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Through our programming we hope to see realization of the wisdom that through knowledge comes understanding; and through understanding comes appreciation.

Another key goal is the promotion and generation of environmentally friendly business in Ely through the tourism industry.  We are fortunate to work and play next to eastern North America’s largest wilderness area, the BWCAW, and strive to create economic opportunities while maintaining this pristine environment.

Thank you to our photgraphic partners for donating so many fine images.

Check out more fine works at:  http://www.rootriverphotography.com