Skip to main content

Experiencing Wildlife: Cape Cod and Nantucket

Study and Travel Institute June 5 - June 12, 2016
Feb 7, 2016

A Summer Travel Course, 3-6 credits

This summer join Salem State University professors Jennifer Jackman and KC Bloom to learn about wildlife on Cape Cod and Nantucket and controversies related to piping plovers, osprey and marine mammals among other wildlife species. Participants will visit locations throughout Cape Cod and Nantucket and will be able to observe whales, seals, birds and other wildlife in their natural environments. We will travel to wildlife viewing sites including:

  • Cape Cod Natural Seashore
  • Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge
  • Morris Island
  • Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

The trip also includes a whale watch and seal cruise.

Course Information

A pre-trip meeting will be held on campus in May. All other course instruction takes place at locations on Cape Cod and Nantucket. Course materials on Canvas will review academic requirements and provide information and due dates for assignments. On-site seminar-style classes will combine information on wildlife biology and ecology with insights into the key stakeholders and politics, policy and management issues. Guest speakers will include wildlife habitat managers, scientists, naturalists and advocates.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in experiential activities such as monitoring diamond back terrapins, tagging horseshoe crabs, conducting human dimensions of wildlife research and visiting a wildlife rehabilitation facility.

Students may earn 3-6 credits by taking SMS 272 Outdoor Rec and the Environment (3 cr., PGR) and/or POL331 Issues in American Policy and Politics: Wildlife on Cape Cod (3 cr.).

A full schedule is available upon request.

Trip Information

Participants will be transported by van from Salem State University to Wellfleet on the morning of Sunday, June 5 and will return to Salem on the afternoon of Sunday, June 12.

Course Cost

$2200 for three credit course and trip

$1090 for additional three credits

Includes

  • Air-conditioned van service with driver and Nantucket Ferry
  • Housing on Wellfleet Bay Audubon dorms or a nearby cottage on Cape Cod and at the Nantucket Youth Hostel.
  • Breakfasts, box lunches and some dinners
  • Whale Watch, Seal Cruise and Museum Admission

Registration Information

POL 331-91 Issues in American Politics (1045) or SMS 272-91 Outdoor Recreation and the Environment (1171)

Cost: $2200, including trip and the course

POL 331-92 Issues in American Politics (1661) or SMS 272-92 Outdoor Recreation and the Environment (1662)

Cost: $1090, to earn an additional three credits

POL 331-93 Issues in American Politics (1664) or SMS 272-93 Outdoor Recreation and the Environment (1100)

Cost $1110, trip only with no credits

For information

Professor Jennifer Jackman in political science (jjackman@salemstate.edu)

Professor K.C. Bloom in sports and movement science (kbloom@salemstate.edu)

Back to top