Offered Summer session I, 2024
Instructors: Dr. Sarah Praskievicz (sjpraski@uncg.edu) and Nathan Rector (narector@uncg.edu)
Learn about the physical and human geography of North Carolina’s largest river on an eight-day trip from Greensboro to Wilmington. Topics will include environmental justice, sustainability, and sense of place. Beginner paddlers are welcome and no outdoor experience is needed. Trip highlights include:
In addition to regular summer tuition and fees for the three-credit class, there will be a small fee associated with this course to cover the costs. We are anticipating that the maximum out-of-pocket expense for the trip will be approximately $400; ideally it will be less, but there is a small chance it could be more if expenses and/or funding sources change before Summer 2024. We will work with the Cape Fear Watershed Project to keep the expense as minimal as possible.
The Cape Fear River, North Carolina’s largest, is highly significant for the state’s physiography, ecology, economy, history, and culture. In this course, we will explore the Cape Fear River from its headwaters near Greensboro to its mouth near Wilmington. Our focus will be on the physical and human geography of the watershed, with an emphasis on how the non-human landscape affects and is affected by humans. Topics will include environmental justice, sustainability, and sense of place.
For coursework expectations, you may check out the DRAFT syllabus.
You need to be available for the following class activities (dates are tentative and subject to change):
Note: for students who are not local and will be traveling to Greensboro for the pre-trip meeting on May 13 and prep day on May 14, we will provide housing in dorms on the UNCG campus from Sunday, May 12, through Tuesday, May 14 (details to follow).
During our eight-day excursion, we will travel by van to various sites along the Cape Fear River and spend our nights camping. All our campgrounds are in various North Carolina State Parks. Most are accessible by vehicle and have well-developed facilities (i.e. flush toilets, showers). The exception is the one night we will spend at Raven Rock State Park, a paddle-in campsite with primitive facilities (i.e. vault toilet). During our days, we will paddle sections of the Cape Fear River and its tributaries (mostly by canoe, except in the estuary, where we will kayak), hike short nature trails, and meet with water managers and community organizations working to protect the watershed. In the evenings, we will spend some time recapping what we experienced during the day and discussing readings and other class materials. You will also have some unstructured time each day to relax and recharge.
We will provide all paddling gear (boats, paddles, PFDs, dry bags), kitchen equipment, and most meals. You are welcome to bring your own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad) if you have it, but we can also provide this gear to you as a rental from UNCG Outdoor Adventures. Personal gear you will need to bring includes quick-drying clothing, layers of clothing for inclement weather, sun protection, and boating-appropriate shoes. A full packing list will be provided to all students who register for the class.
No, the outdoor activities in this class are appropriate for beginners. We will paddle up to 10 miles per day (mostly flatwater paddling, a few small rapids) and hike up to 3 miles per day (mostly flat trails). We will provide instruction in paddling techniques, camp setup, and water/outdoor safety. The co-instructors for the course have had swiftwater rescue and Wilderness First Responder training. Students who register for the class will be asked in advance about any medical or mobility issues that may affect their participation in the trip so that we can make any needed accommodations.
During the trip, breakfast and dinner will be provided each day in camp. We will organize kitchen crews so that everyone takes turns helping with meal preparation and cleanup. All students who register for the class will be asked in advance about any dietary restrictions, which we will be happy to accommodate. Lunches will be a combination of picnic lunches provided by us and restaurant meals in which everyone needs to pay for their own food. For budgeting purposes, plan on four restaurant meals of $10-15 each over the entire trip. We will also provide snacks throughout the day. You are welcome to bring your own snacks as well, and we will make a grocery store stop midway through the trip in case you want to restock on snacks or other personal items. Note that we will be staying at North Carolina State Park campgrounds, where alcohol is prohibited.
Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability
UNC Greensboro
Physical Address:
237 Graham Building
1009 Spring Garden Street
Greensboro, NC 27412
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 26170
Greensboro, NC 27402
Phone: 336.334.5388
Fax: 336.334.5864
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