August 10-27, 2008 with David Wilcove, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Public Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School.
A Vanishing Treasures Program.

Scientists have shown that rising temperatures have caused the average Arctic sea ice break-up to occur nearly three weeks earlier than normal, leaving Polar Bears with a shorter hunting season. Polar Bear population estimates have consequently dropped by approximately 20% since 1987, leading some experts to believe there will be scarcely any bears left in 30 to 40 years. Join your fellow Princetonians August 10-27, 2008, for this timely expedition to the high Arctic.

The region this journey explores is very remote, requiring a vessel with the highest polar-class rating. Flying from Ottawa, we embark the 100-passenger icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov in Iqaluit on Canada's Baffin Island. (Please note, Princetonians will occupy only one-third of the vessel.) We will cruise Baffin Bay to the western fjords of Greenland and on to Ellesmere Island and Tanquary Fjord ultimately returning to Resolute. Whales, including narwhal, musk ox, walrus and seabirds are among wildlife subjects, along with a fascinating human history, and Arctic exploration. However, climate and Polar Bear habitat change will serve as the dynamic topics of our onboard educational component. Professor David Wilcove's commentary will be complemented by that of Zegrahm's top-caliber naturalists and scientists.

About the Study Leader
David Wilcove *85, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Public Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School will serve as study leader for this program.

Appropriately bestowed a dual appointment in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department and the Woodrow Wilson School, Professor Wilcove has long been poised at the intersection of environmental science and policy. His research focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and, in particular, the development of innovative approaches to protect endangered species, migratory species, and wilderness.  He has also studied the impacts of global climate change on wildlife.  Over the past decade, he has undertaken a number of studies pertaining to imperiled wildlife  around the world.  His most recent book, No Way Home: The Decline of the World's Great Animal Migrations, will be released in fall 2007.  Prior to joining the Princeton faculty in 2001, he served as senior ecologist with the Environmental Defense Fund (1991-2001) and The Wilderness Society (1986-1991).

Professor Wilcove also serves as director of the Program in Environmental Studies, which provides a multidisciplinary approach to environmental issues that is rigorous within traditional disciplines, yet accessible to students in all fields of concentration. He graduated from Yale cum laude with distinction in the major of biology and continued to receive his M.A. and Ph.D. in that same field from Princeton.

To make reservations, fill out the form in the brochure or contact Princeton Journeys at (609) 258-8686 or journeys@princeton.edu.