Program:
Patagonia Frontiers partnered with Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences - Environment Resource Management program on their Sustainability and Natural Resources winter break course to Patagonia, Chile.
This course focuses on natural resources, climate, and sustainability, along with topics including water quality, air quality, and coastal ecosystems. Students journeyed in the Aysén Region visiting small frontier towns and the Patagonia National Park before continuing to the Patagonia Frontiers wilderness classroom for their backcountry section. In addition to instructional staff, the group was joined by neighboring guachos and local experts.
Students explored themes of climate change and sustainability:
Glaciology through direct observation of mass balance changes and morainal crescent formation in the rapidly retreating Soler Glacier and the implications of that on water flow, forest health and freshwater reserves, air quality, etc.
Exploring connections between watersheds, water quality and the condition of the old growth forest.
Commoditization of conservation and environment.
All programs include risk management and decision making, backcountry travel and camping skills.
WHAT STUDENTS AND TEACHERS HAD TO SAY:
“Reaching out to express gratitude for hosting Penn State students at your ranch and sharing the breathtaking beauty experienced while backpacking the pristine landscape you get to call home. It was an adventure like none I’ve ever had before. I’ve been processing it all since our return - it really had a profound impact on me. - Tammy Shannon (Penn State ERM 499 Professor)
“Looking back, Luksic recalled how nervous she was to go on her first-ever backpacking hike — a portion of the trip that ended up being the highlight of her entire experience. She said that by completing this difficult part of the journey, it made her realize her strength and that she could do anything she set her mind to.” Emma Luksic, student in ERM 499 Sustainability and Natural Resources Regions of Chile and Patagonia. Penn State News story featuring: What a great backpacking experience in the northern ice fields this past winter break.
Downloadable PDF *forthcoming
Gallery:
Patagonia Frontiers Philosophy:
“To contact the deeper truth of who we are, we must engage in some activity or practice that questions what we assume to be true about ourselves.” ~A.H. Almaas
We design and lead wilderness education and leadership programs. Our educational programs work with high schools, universities, camps and other organizations to provide logistics and risk management oversight for the institution's established program or through our own outdoor, leadership and science curriculum.
Our mission is to advance outdoor education and conserve wilderness classroom, serving as an ally for the surrounding parks and communities. We create learning environments that invite students to expand their view of what is possible, both as an individual and as a group. Our intent is for students to gain knowledge, courage, and techniques necessary for implementing beneficial change, and the enthusiasm to positively impact our world and be dreamers and doers in their own lives.
"When we know that the animals and plants are part of who we are, we can listen and respond. Ignoring the trees is like ignoring our lungs when they are congested and we can't breathe. Extinction of the songbirds means the end of our living music. When the planet herself calls to us in our dreams, if we are in touch with the truth of our mutual belonging, our hearts naturally stir with care. We remember that the web of life is our home." ~Tara Brach, excerpted from Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha