County College of Morris’ (CCM) “Project Yellowstone” will be offering an array of programs to the public during the Spring Semester, highlighting natural environments, conservation and
Bison at Yellowstone National Park
protected lands. CCM’s “Project Yellowstone” is part of an initiative to offer the community high-impact, interdisciplinary programs. Reservations are requested by emailing yellowstone@ccm.edu. CCM is located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph.
On the CCM campus, attendees will learn about an unbelievable discovery in the rural areas outside Yellowstone National Park when Dr. Shane Doyle (a member of the Crow tribe) will Skype in from Montana on Tuesday, March 3, at 12:30 p.m. in Sheffield Hall (SH), Room 100.
Two “Project Yellowstone” events will occur in April. An academic panel will examine Native American history through many disciplinary lenses on Thursday, April 9, SH, Room 100 at 12:30 p.m.
A Book Discussion on “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer will be held on Thursday, April 23, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Mount Olive Public Library, located at 202 Flanders-Drakestown Road in Flanders. A simple question will be discussed – what would motivate a young man to leave his comfortable life in American society and try to survive by himself in the wild? Participants are requested to read the book before the discussion.
During the height of spring, CCM Professor Samantha Gigliotti will lead a guided tour at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge to identify species and to share local stories of conservation. Located at the Wildlife Observation Center Access Road in Gillette, the Great Swamp tour will be held twice on Saturday, May 2, from 9 – 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Participants should meet the CCM group at the Great Swamp wildlife observation trails. There is a $2 suggested donation.
For the past two years Professor Samantha Gigliotti, biology and chemistry, Dr. Michelle Iden, history and political science, Dr. Maria Isaza, biology and chemistry, and Professor John Soltes, communication, have traveled to Yellowstone National Park to create greater awareness about conservation and protected lands and to share their experiences with CCM students and the public.
For the next Yellowstone National Park educational and exploratory trip, six CCM students will experience an opportunity of a lifetime and will join the professors on a funded trip. Applications are due March 9. To learn about student eligibility, trip dates and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/YellowstoneApp.