Contribution starting at $4,100
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11 days (avg. $373 a day) Includes accommodations, food, and all related research costs

Please Note: this expedition also Includes a chartered flight from Whitehorse to the Mackenzie Mountains research site.

Climate Change

Climate Change in the Mackenzie Mountains

Location
Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territory, Canada Map it
Lead Scientist
Activity Level
Moderate
Food
Special diets accommodated
Staff-prepared meals
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet
climate change in the mackenzie mountains mamet

Shrinking sea ice, retreating glaciers, a tree line migrating further north, and less snow that also melts earlier—what do these climate-related changes mean for the Arctic, and for all of us?


volunteers studying climate change in the mackenzie mountainsArctic landscapes are changing. Over the last two decades the Mackenzie Mountains have experienced an increase of about 1.25 degrees Celsius in annual permafrost temperature. As a result, trees are being outcompeted by shrubs and the permafrost is thawing. These shifts will change life for every species in the Arctic. That’s why researchers are working hard now to understand exactly how these lands and species work together. Long-term data will allow them to see past seasonal extreme weather events and detect the long-term patterns.

On this expedition, you’ll measure evidence of climate change in the majestic Mackenzie Mountains, a range that forms part of the border between Canada’s Northwest Territories and the Yukon and is on the front line of climate change. Among stunning wildlife, including one of the world’s largest herds of mountain caribou, you’ll help take soil and permafrost samples, monitor the status of the tree line, and record information on native plant species. By helping researchers learn all they can about this fragile environment now, you’ll help preserve it for the future.

 

 

A Typical Itinerary

  • DAY 1 Introduction and orientation
  • DAY 2 Training, practice in the field
  • DAYS 3–6 Monitoring permafrost and soil, surveying vegetation
  • DAYS 7–10 Observing animals, lab analysis
  • DAY 11 Depart for home

 

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HOW WILL YOU HELP

You’ll become very familiar with the flora, fauna, and landscape of this exceptional place. Every day you’ll begin hiking early, stopping along the way to:

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look for signs of climate change in the mackenzie mountains
LOOK FOR SIGNS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

You'll use sophisticated equipment to collect data on features of permafrost and soil. This work helps reveal global-warming-related changes in these aspects of the Arctic.

record plant observations in the arctic
RECORD PLANT OBSERVATIONS

While hiking, you'll look for vascular plants, lichens, and mosses and monitor plant phenology (the timing of seasonal events such as flowering, first leaves, etc.). You'll also core evergreen and deciduous trees to count their rings and count their needles.

survey for mamals and birds in the mackenzie mountains
SURVEY FOR MAMMALS AND BIRDS

You'll see how climate change is impacting Arctic animals by recording when and where you see them, and how many you observe.

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In the afternoon you’ll return to the comfort of the lodge, where you’ll help enter data and process samples in the lab. After a convivial dinner, you might attend a talk on climate change, the natural history of species in the area, or ecotourism. Or you can enjoy the time relaxing, reading, or chatting with team members.

One day during the expedition, your team will take a break from the research scientist's life and explore some of the area’s recreational offerings. Dechen la’ Lodge is the perfect base for day hikes or for simply enjoying your free time by looking out over the landscape.

Field conditions and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

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FEEDBACK & QUESTIONS

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3 Reviews on this Expedition

If you have been on this expedition, others considering attending would love to hear about your experience.
2023 Earthwatch Participant |
Amazing Interaction with Canadian Tundra!
2023 Earthwatch Participant |
This was an amazing experience in the Canadian tundra; don't expect luxury accommodations, but on the other hand, this is rustic and makes sense in the environment. The food was amazing: freshly baked bread every day and great meals prepared in a postage-stamp kitchen. The living arrangements are spartan but comfortable. Pit toilets are the norm, but they are clean and not smelly. The scenery is fantastic, especially when at the Dechen 'la Lodge. If you don't like the weather, just wait 15 minutes! You get to spend a lot of time on the tundra and explore the area of the Canol Road, a historically important pathway here. The actual work involves probing the depth of the permafrost in specific areas targeted by the scientists. It is rewarding work, and there's plenty of time to look for local wildlife, be it grizzly bears, caribou, or gryfalcons... If you are lucky, you might even get to see northern lights, as the air quality and vistas are unmatched.
Ms Simone Dumschat |
I can highly recommend this trip to everyone who loves nature and cares about climate change. I had an amazing time and would go back in a heartbeat. Every day was planned very well with different research activities in an absolutely stunning landscape. I loved absolutely everything about it.

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Feature Article

Trees in the Tundra

Earthwatch scientists search for evidence of climate change in one of the most extraordinary places on the planet.

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