{"id":8084,"date":"2026-01-26T20:03:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T20:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/?page_id=8084"},"modified":"2026-01-27T17:08:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T17:08:03","slug":"ecology-and-history-of-sitka-alaska","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/ecology-and-history-of-sitka-alaska\/","title":{"rendered":"Ecology, Culture and History of Sitka, Alaska"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Department of Biology is happy to announce a new field class travelling to Sitka, Alaska in the Summer of 2026! We will be spending 10 days in Sitka (May 20-29th) and will be working with the <a href=\"https:\/\/sitkascience.org\/\">Sitka Sound Science Center<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fineartscamp.org\/\">Sitka Fine Arts Camp<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"771\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-2.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-2.jpg 4080w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-2.jpg?resize=300,226 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-2.jpg?resize=768,578 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-2.jpg?resize=1024,771 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-2.jpg?resize=1536,1157 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-2.jpg?resize=2048,1542 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-2.jpg?resize=1200,904 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-2.jpg?resize=1980,1491 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Because this is the first year this course has been offered, the exact itinerary is still be worked out. However, we have our first draft of our itinerary noted below. The activities noted should not change, but the day-to-day plans may evolve as we get closer to the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preliminary Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day 1 \u2014 Wed, May 20<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka.jpg 5312w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka.jpg?resize=2048,1152 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka.jpg?resize=1200,675 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka.jpg?resize=1980,1114 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Arrival to Sitka<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SSSC will provide pick-up from airport and transport to SFAC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Settle in \/ short neighborhood orientation (if time allows)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Orientation &amp; Welcome to Ling\u00edt Aan\u00ed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-totem.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-totem.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-totem.jpg 3036w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-totem.jpg?resize=225,300 225w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-totem.jpg?resize=768,1024 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-totem.jpg?resize=1152,1536 1152w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-totem.jpg?resize=1536,2048 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-totem.jpg?resize=1200,1600 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-totem.jpg?resize=1980,2640 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tlingit Welcome<\/strong> by Alex Johnson-Rice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SSSC Welcome<\/strong> &amp; Safety Briefing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shoreline &amp; forest safety, bear awareness, weather expectations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overview of field journals: observations, sketches, questions, connections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classroom Session<\/strong> led by instructors: Ecosystems of Sitka Sound<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-ocean-shot.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"771\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-ocean-shot.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8090\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-ocean-shot.jpg 4080w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-ocean-shot.jpg?resize=300,226 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-ocean-shot.jpg?resize=768,578 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-ocean-shot.jpg?resize=1024,771 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-ocean-shot.jpg?resize=1536,1157 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-ocean-shot.jpg?resize=2048,1542 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-ocean-shot.jpg?resize=1200,904 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Sitka-ocean-shot.jpg?resize=1980,1491 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sitka as a coupled land\u2013sea system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What to observe: patterns, gradients, interactions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Independent Exploration of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/sitk\/index.htm\">Sitka National Historical Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students will orient themselves with the forest, shoreline, and cultural communities of Sitka<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Evening: Group dinner + course overview, goals, and student interests<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day 2 \u2014 Thu, May 21<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Starfish.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"768\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Starfish.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8093\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Starfish.jpg 4032w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Starfish.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Starfish.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Starfish.jpg?resize=1024,768 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Starfish.jpg?resize=1536,1152 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Starfish.jpg?resize=2048,1536 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Starfish.jpg?resize=1200,900 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Starfish.jpg?resize=1980,1485 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Intertidal Ecology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Settling Plate Examination \/ Invertebrate Community Study<\/strong> led by Marnie Chapman<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Low Tide Transect Study <\/strong>(-0.62)with Lauren Bell<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Snorkeling \/ kelp forest exploration<\/strong> with Kari Paustian (conditions permitting)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classroom discussion <\/strong>led by instructors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day 3 \u2014 Fri, May 22<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Marine Ecosystems of Sitka Sound (Boat Day)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"768\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats.jpg 4048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats.jpg?resize=1024,768 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats.jpg?resize=1536,1152 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats.jpg?resize=2048,1536 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats.jpg?resize=1200,900 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats.jpg?resize=1980,1485 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/truealaskantours.com\/wildlife-boat-tour\/\">Allen Marine Wildlife Tour<\/a> boat day <\/strong>joined by a marine biology expert<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dock Walk <\/strong>with Eric Jordan and\/or Wendy Alderson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn about the local fishing community and different vessels commonly seen on Sitka Sound<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classroom discussion <\/strong>led by instructors<strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Group observations: <em>What did we see? What surprised us?<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day 4 \u2014 Sat, May 23<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Forest Ecology, Art &amp; Place<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ocean dip <\/strong>with SSSC staff<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-hike.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"768\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-hike.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-hike.jpg 4048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-hike.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-hike.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-hike.jpg?resize=1024,768 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-hike.jpg?resize=1536,1152 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-hike.jpg?resize=2048,1536 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-hike.jpg?resize=1200,900 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-hike.jpg?resize=1980,1485 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tongass Hike<\/strong> led by Sarah Tobey<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-Carving.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"768\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-Carving.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8098\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-Carving.jpg 4048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-Carving.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-Carving.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-Carving.jpg?resize=1024,768 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-Carving.jpg?resize=1536,1152 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-Carving.jpg?resize=2048,1536 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-Carving.jpg?resize=1200,900 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Tlingit-Carving.jpg?resize=1980,1485 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tlingit Carving &amp; Cultural Perspectives<\/strong> led by Will Peterson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Carving as cultural practice and relationship to land and materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classroom discussion <\/strong>led by instructors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Evening (light):<\/strong> Independent journaling or optional short walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day 5 \u2014 Sun, May 24<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traditional knowledge, western science, and making connections<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-trees.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"768\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-trees.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-trees.jpg 4048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-trees.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-trees.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-trees.jpg?resize=1024,768 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-trees.jpg?resize=1536,1152 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-trees.jpg?resize=2048,1536 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-trees.jpg?resize=1200,900 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Forest-trees.jpg?resize=1980,1485 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Forest Walk: Edible Plants &amp; Traditional Knowledge<\/strong> led by Mary Goddard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seasonal relationships between people, plants, and stewardship<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Salmon-bubble.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"717\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Salmon-bubble.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Salmon-bubble.jpg 960w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Salmon-bubble.jpg?resize=300,224 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Salmon-bubble.jpg?resize=768,574 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sitkascience.org\/visit\/aquarium\/\">Aquarium<\/a> \/ Wet-Lab Session <\/strong>led by Matt Wilson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn about nearshore and intertidal organisms through a hands-on experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classroom discussion <\/strong>led by instructors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day 6 \u2014 Mon, May 25<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wildlife, tourism, human impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Raptor-center.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"166\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Raptor-center.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Raptor-center.jpg 2024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Raptor-center.jpg?resize=300,49 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Raptor-center.jpg?resize=768,125 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Raptor-center.jpg?resize=1024,166 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Raptor-center.jpg?resize=1536,250 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Raptor-center.jpg?resize=1200,195 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Raptor-center.jpg?resize=1980,322 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tour of <a href=\"https:\/\/alaskaraptor.org\/\">Alaska Raptor Center<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn about avian anatomy, behavior, and rehabilitation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sitka Wonders film showing and talk <\/strong>with Ben Hamilton<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lunch at Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cruise Boom film viewing <\/strong>with Ellen Frankenstein<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How cruise tourism impacts local communities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classroom discussion <\/strong>led by instructors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day 7 \u2014 Tue, May 26<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"771\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats-2.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats-2.jpg 4080w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats-2.jpg?resize=300,226 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats-2.jpg?resize=768,578 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats-2.jpg?resize=1024,771 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats-2.jpg?resize=1536,1157 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats-2.jpg?resize=2048,1542 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats-2.jpg?resize=1200,904 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Boats-2.jpg?resize=1980,1491 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mariculture, Salmon &amp; Human\u2013Ecosystem Interactions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Introduction to Mariculture<\/strong> led by Angie Bowers &amp; Brenna Haakinson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spcsales.com\/\">Seafood Producers Cooperative<\/a> tour <\/strong>with Stephen Rhoads<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sitkascience.org\/hatchery\/\">Salmon Hatchery<\/a> Tour<\/strong> led by Haley Jenkins &amp; Brenna Haakinson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classroom discussion <\/strong>led by instructors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day 8 \u2014 Wed, May 27<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Human Impacts on Coastal Environments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/sitka-marine-debris-project.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"777\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/sitka-marine-debris-project.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/sitka-marine-debris-project.jpg 777w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/sitka-marine-debris-project.jpg?resize=228,300 228w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/sitka-marine-debris-project.jpg?resize=768,1012 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 777px) 100vw, 777px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Marine Debris Project <\/strong>with Kristina Tirman and\/or Zofia Danielson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn about marine debris impacts to the ecosystem and participate in field work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Turning Marine Debris into Art <\/strong>with Kristina Tirman and Zofia Danielson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students will continue learning about marine debris and use collected materials to create unique works of art<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classroom discussion <\/strong>led by instructors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day 9 \u2014 Thu, May 28<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Integration, Student Synthesis &amp; Community Meal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nature Journaling and Scientific Illustration <\/strong>with Lisa Teas Conaway<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students will learn skills and techniques to better capture their observations in nature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Cove-hike.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"771\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Cove-hike.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Cove-hike.jpg 4080w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Cove-hike.jpg?resize=300,226 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Cove-hike.jpg?resize=768,578 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Cove-hike.jpg?resize=1024,771 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Cove-hike.jpg?resize=1536,1157 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Cove-hike.jpg?resize=2048,1542 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Cove-hike.jpg?resize=1200,904 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Cove-hike.jpg?resize=1980,1491 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sitkatrailworks.org\/beaver-lakeherring-cove-trail-loop\/\">Herring Cove<\/a> Hike <\/strong>led by Chase Coleman<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classroom discussion <\/strong>led by instructors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Group Dinner at SSSC<\/strong> featuring locally sourced food (e.g., grilled salmon)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Closing reflections and appreciations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Day 10 \u2014 Fri, May 29<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Departure &amp; Final Reflections<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Ocean-sunset.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"771\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Ocean-sunset.jpg?w=580\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Ocean-sunset.jpg 4080w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Ocean-sunset.jpg?resize=300,226 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Ocean-sunset.jpg?resize=768,578 768w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Ocean-sunset.jpg?resize=1024,771 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Ocean-sunset.jpg?resize=1536,1157 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Ocean-sunset.jpg?resize=2048,1542 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Ocean-sunset.jpg?resize=1200,904 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1287\/2026\/01\/Ocean-sunset.jpg?resize=1980,1491 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Final Ocean Dip <\/strong>with SSSC staff<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Morning (light programming)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Independent tide pooling (-0.72)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Final field note prompt: <em>What did I notice, learn, and still wonder?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optional short shoreline walk if time allows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Departures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Course Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Grading: Students will be graded on Class Participation, Community Presentations, Field Journals, a final Group Presentation and a Final Paper (after our return from Alaska). Class participation includes showing up and participating in the various daily educational activities. Pairs of students will present and deliver a short overview of the various ecological communities we will visit in Sitka. Students are expected to keep daily journals of their experiences throughout the trip. The Group Presentation and Final Paper are related: each student is expected to develop an idea for a community-oriented project that they could possibly undertake if they were to return to Sitka for a summer (~3 months). They will develop their idea over the trip, with copious feedback from the class instructors, and in the final nights they will present their ideas to the class for class feedback. Once the students return to Akron, they will develop a ~10 page paper fully outlining their proposed project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there Pre-Requisites for this Class?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The short answer is NO. The class is open to a broad range of students that are interested in ecology and history of native cultures, and thus is open to a broad set of majors. The information you will need for the class will be provided before and during the trip. It is also open to any class level, freshman to seniors. The course is a 400-level, 4-credit lab class, and thus will satisfy both upper division Biology\/Biomedical Science credits as well as a lab-based science course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do I Enroll in This Class?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The class is limited to 12 total students. The course costs $3,000 for the room and board, travel to and from Sitka, local transportation and educational fees to the two Centers we will work with. The class will also require signing up and paying for a 4-credit summer course (tuition and fees depend on your specific year class and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uakron.edu\/student-accounts\/\">can be calculated here<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To be added to the class, students need to supply a $100 non-refundable deposit. Deposits can be left in the Biology Department Office (ASEC D401). Once we get the deposit, we will sign you up for the class (once summer sign-ups are open).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there Scholarship Funding for this Trip?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes! Students can apply for a limited number of $500 scholarships for this course. Scholarships are allotted on a financial need basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information, please email Dr. Steve Weeks (<a href=\"mailto:scw@uakron.edu\">scw@uakron.edu<\/a>) or Dr. Lara Roketenetz (<a href=\"mailto:ldr11@uakron.edu\">ldr11@uakron.edu<\/a>). <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Department of Biology is happy to announce a new field class travelling to Sitka, Alaska in the Summer of 2026! We will be spending 10 days in Sitka (May 20-29th) and will be working with the Sitka Sound Science Center and the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. Because this is the first year this course [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3339,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8084","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3339"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8084"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8084\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8125,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8084\/revisions\/8125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uakron.edu\/weeks\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}