Where wilderness wisdom from the past provides solutions for the future

Center for Traditional Ecological Knowledge

www.WildernessCollege.com . Vol. 1 . Catalog Year 2018-2019 . Publication: July 1, 2018

Core Programs Catalog

ALDERLEAF Wilderness College

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Program Overview .....................................................................................2 Why Attend Alderleaf? . ...........................................................................2 What is Traditional Ecological Knowledge? ..................................................2 Our Core Programs ...................................................................................3 TheAlderleafWildernessCertificationProgram(AWCP)................................3 TheAdvancedWildernessSkillsProgram(AWSP) ........................................3 Core Studies ..........................................................................................3 TheSixModulesofAWCP.........................................................................4 TheSixModulesofAWSP.........................................................................7 Instruction .............................................................................................9 Class Size ..............................................................................................9 Facilities and Resources ...........................................................................9 AcademicCalendar.................................................................................10 OfficeHoursofOperation........................................................................10

Staff ...........................................................................................................11 CoreFaculty...........................................................................................11 AdjunctFaculty ......................................................................................13 AdministrativeandFarmStaff...................................................................13

Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................................14Tuition, Admissions, and School Policies .............................................17 Tuition Cost ................................................................................................17 TuitionPaymentPlans ..................................................................................17 FinancialAid ...............................................................................................17 ApplicationsandAdmissions...........................................................................18 CertificationRequirements .............................................................................18 AuditingthePrograms..................................................................................18 CollegeCredit..............................................................................................18 Clock/Contact/CreditHours...........................................................................19 StandardsofStudentProgress ......................................................................19 AcademicTranscripts....................................................................................19 ProgramEvaluations.....................................................................................19 AcademicAdvisingandCounseling.................................................................19 JobPlacementAssistance..............................................................................19 StudentConductPolicies..............................................................................20 LatePayments.............................................................................................20 CancellationandRefundPolicy.......................................................................20 ContactInformation......................................................................................22

“Alderleaf is a wonderful program for learning how to live with the earth and not just on it.” — Gianna Torres ’12

Table of Contents

The Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program(AWCP)andtheAdvanced Wilderness Skills Program(AWSP)arecomprehensive,nine-monthcoursesonTraditionalEcologicalKnowledgeledbyastaffofskilledinstructors.Theprogramsprovide youwith holistic training in nature skillsthat bring about a deep, meaningful connectionand knowledge of the natural world. The courses prepare you to apply nature skills in a varietyof outdoor careers in education, environmentalresearch,sustainableliving,andbeyond.

The Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Programis our foundational nine-month course, and theAdvanced Wilderness Skills Program providesmore advanced training for graduates of AWCP.AWCPcanbecompletedasastand-aloneprogram,or you can continue into AWSP to obtainmoreadvancedcertificates.

As a synthesis of both ancient and modernecological wisdom, the programs’ curriculumintegrates both scientific and indigenousknowledge of nature. You are immersed instudies of wilderness survival, ethnobotany,permaculture, wildlife tracking, naturalist skills,and outdoor leadership. Alderleaf WildernessCollegeunderstandsthatthroughthedevelopmentofknowledgeinconjunctionwithhands-onfield-based experience, the most resourceful andcreative environmental leaders emergewho areempowered to help educate, guide, and solvecurrentenvironmentalchallenges.

Why Attend?

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What is Traditional Ecological Knowledge?TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge(TEK) is the termusedtodescribetheskills,wisdom,andunderstandingof nature that all of our ancestors had when they lived closetotheland.Itisanextensivesystemofknowingnature that emphasizes the practical applicationof skills and knowledge for the sustainable use of renewable resources. It provides youwith a useful understandingof howecological systemsworkandinterrelate,andhowhumaninfluencescanenhance,regenerate,andrevitalizenature.TEKencompassesmany fields including wilderness survival, herbalmedicine,naturalhistoryandtaxonomy,sustainableagriculture,wildlifetrackingandconservation,habitatrestoration,andmuchmore.

Call us today to schedule a tour. 360.793.8709

“This school is amazing. I’m so grateful to have found myself here, and have no doubt that this is the absolute best way I could be spending this year of my life.

Thank you all so much.” — Eric Winter-Tamkin ’14

Core StudiesTheAlderleafprogramsfocusonsixcorefieldsofstudywhichprovidea thorough foundation of learning in Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Studentsdevelopanin-depthknowledgeofnaturethroughthecombinationofthesecoremodulesoftheprogram.Thoughthemodulesarelistedseparately,togethertheyformanintegratedcourseofstudy.

The ProgramsThe Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program

TheAlderleafWildernessCertificationProgramisourfoundationalnine-monthcourse.Theprogramprovidescomprehensivetraininginoursixcoreareasofcurriculum(wildernesssurvival,ethnobotany,permaculture,tracking,naturalistskills,andoutdoorleadership).GraduatesoftheAlderleafWildernessCertificationProgramreceivecertificatesin:

•WildernessSkillsEducation&Ecology•PermacultureDesign•WildlifeTrack&Sign•WildernessFirstAid

ExamplesofjobsthatgraduatesoftheWildernessCertificationProgramarequalifiedforinclude:

•Outdooreducators/wildernessskillsinstructorsforyouthprogramsofanylengthandbasicadultcourses(suchasday-longandweekendclasses),primarilyinfrontcountrylocations(wildernessareaswithvehicleaccess)•Assistantpermaculturedesignconsultant•Fieldtechnicianforwildlifeprojectsandotherenvironmentalresearchprojects

The Advanced Wilderness Skills Program

TheAdvancedWildernessSkillsProgramisforindividualswhohavecompletedtheWildernessCertificationProgram(oranequivalentin-depthtraining)andareseekingtofurtherdeveloptheirnatureskillstowardscareers.GraduatesoftheAdvancedWildernessSkillsProgramreceivecertificatesin:

•AdvancedWildernessSkillsEducation•WildlifeTrailing•WildernessFirstResponder

ExamplesofjobsthatgraduatesoftheAdvancedWildernessSkillsProgramarequalifiedforincludeallofthejobslistedforAWCP,plus:•Outdooreducators/wildernessskillsinstructorsforadvancedandlonger-lengthadultprograms(suchasmulti-monthandyear-longcourses),includingbackcountrylocations(undevelopedwildernessareaswithoutvehicleaccess)•Independentpermaculturedesignconsultant

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“Every day I learned at least one thing completely awesome. The year was an inspiring reflection of what we really are as humans

and what we truly need to live.” — Kyle Stokle ’13

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1. Wilderness Survival: Primitive and Modern Survival Techniques

Inthismodule,studentslearnhowtobuildnaturalshelters,purifywater,createfrictionfire,findwildfood,andmastera variety of wilderness crafts that allow one to survive with andwithouttheaidofoutdoorgear.Theprogramprovidestraining inbothtraditionalandmodernsurvival techniqueswhichincludeastudyofindigenouslife-waysandhowsurvivalskillsareincorporatedtoaidinnaturaldisasters.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Understandsurvivalprioritiesandhazards•Areabletoconstructbothemergencyandlong-termsheltersfromnaturalmaterials•Knowhowtolocate,transport,filter,andpurifywaterfromnaturalsources•Areabletocreatefireusingseveraldifferentprimitivetechniques•Areadeptatcreatingavarietyofprimitivesurvivaltools for hunting and gathering•HaveabasicunderstandingoftheindigenouscultureslocaltothePacificNorthwest

The Six Modules of the Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program

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2. Ethnobotany: Edible, Medicinal, and Utilitarian Uses of Wild Plants

Explorehowtoproperlyidentify,gather,andpreparewildplantsformeals,medicines,andtools.Thismoduleofthecoursealsocoversforeststewardshipandecologicalrestoration.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Areabletoidentifycommonwildedible,medicinal,andutilitarianplants•Knowhowtoprepareherbalmedicinesincludingtinctures,salves,anddecoctions•Understandthethreeprimarymethodsofbasket construction•Understandtheethicsofharvestingwildplants•Arefamiliarwithwildcrafting•Knowthebasicsofhabitatrestorationandforeststewardship

3. Permaculture: Designing Sustainable Systems

Learn to create functional, whole system designs forsustainable living and land use by using the permaculturedesign methodology. Become certified and qualified as apermaculturedesigner.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•ReceiveaPermacultureDesignCertification•Understandpermaculturedesignphilosophyandmethodology•Areabletoperformsiteassessmentandclientassessment interviews•Areabletoconceptualizeandimplementpermacultureprinciples•Areabletocreateawholesystempermaculturedesign

“Before I came to Alderleaf I knew little about the woods and could barely call myself woods wise. Now I am a naturalist and tracker and

have begun my journey.”

Torin Tindongan ’13

“I no longer fear the outdoors. If anything the knowledge I have gained now breeds curiosity and passion for the unknown.” Karyn Reimer ’15

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6. Nature-Based Education: Teaching and LeadershipUnderstand how to plan, communicate, and manage groupsand projects. This section of the course covers leadership andcommunication styles, lesson/trip planning, wilderness first aid,projectcoordination,aswellascommunityandculturalawareness.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Understandtheexperientiallearningmodel•Haveexperienceinfacilitation,groupdynamics,communication,anddecision-making•Gainjudgmentandrisk-managementskills•Completebasicwildernessfirstaidtraining•Haveanunderstandingoftheuniqueneedsofavarietyofdifferentstudentpopulations•Gaindirectexperienceteachingnatureskillstoyouthandadults

5. Wildlife Tracking and Observation: Interpreting Tracks & SignLearnhowtoaccuratelyidentifyandinterprettracks,trails,signs,andvocalizationsmadebymammals,birds,reptiles,amphibians,andinsects.Discoverhowwildlifetrackingcanbeemployedasavaluabletoolinwildliferesearch,monitoring,andeducation.Developeffectivetrailingskillsthatcanbeappliedinhuntingandsearchandrescue.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Areabletoidentifytracksandsignofawidevarietyofmammals,birds,reptiles,amphibians,andinsects•Areabletointerpretgaitpatternsandbehaviorsfromtrackpatternsandsigns•Gainexperienceintrailingbothanimalsandhumansthroughvariedterrain•Areabletointerpretbirdbehaviorsandvocalizations•Understandhowtominimizedisturbancesandeffectivelyobservewildlife•Havetheopportunitytobeevaluatedtobecomeacertifiedwildlifetracker

4. Naturalist Skills: Plants, Animals, & Ecology of North AmericaDiscoverhowtoidentifyandinterpretthemajorlivingandnon-livingfeaturesofthenaturalenvironment.Inthismoduleofthecourse,studythebasicsofnaturalhistory,taxonomy,weather,geology,botany,andwildlifeofNorthAmerica,aswellasbasicfieldbiologyskillssuchasdata collection and land navigation. Through these naturalist skills gain athoroughunderstandingofecologicalsystems.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Understandthebasicsofgeology,weather,ecology,astronomy,botany,taxonomy,naturalhistory,andwildlifeofNorthAmerica•Areabletoidentifycommonnorthwestfloraandfauna•Arefamiliarwithvenomousanimals,poisonousplants,and other wilderness hazards•Knowhowtokeepanaturalistfieldjournal•Developeffectivelandnavigationandmapreadingskills

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2. Advanced EthnobotanyBuildadeeperknowledgeofedible,medicinal,andutilitarianusesofwildplants.Discoveranexpansiverangeofusesofnativewildplants,includingtheirmodernusesandhistorical&culturalsignificance.LearnaboutsensitiveplantspeciesandspeciesfoundinspecifichabitatsandgeographiczonesofthePacificNorthwest.Applyethnobotanicalknowledgetopermacultureplanningandhabitatrestoration.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Havedetailedknowledgeonaselectgroupofusefulplantspecies•Understandplantfamilygroupsandtheirroleinplantidentificationanduses•Haveharvested,processed,andcreatednumerousplantmedicines,wildfoods,andutilitarianprojects•Haveintegratedanethnobotanicalperspectivetoapermacultureprojectandahabitatrestorationproject•Understandtheecologicalsignificanceofdifferentsensitiveplantspecies

3. Permaculture: Implementing Sustainable Living SystemsContinue to practice permaculture design and move into moreimplementation strategies. Apply permaculture knowledge incommunityservicebycreatingdesignsforvariouspublicandprivatespaces. Mapping, land management, natural building, organicgardening,andotherhandsonskillsarepracticed.Classroomstudyisaccompaniedbykinestheticapplicationandfieldtrips.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Reinforcetheirunderstandingofpermacultureethics,principles,andmethodologies

•Createseveralpermaculturedesignstobeginaportfolio•Areabletoperformdetailedsiteassessmentsandclientinterviews•Areabletocreateconcisepermaculturemapsandreports•Haveobserveddifferentstrategiesforlandmanagementandmaintenance

1. Bushcraft and Primitive Living SkillsDeveloptechniquesrequiredforlongtermwildernessliving.Learnprimitivelivingskillssuchashidetanning,flintknapping,huntingandtrapping,boneand stone toolmaking, and food preservation. Make tools, clothes, andcontainerswhichareutilizedthroughoutthecourse.Anin-depthstudyofCascadiannativelife-waysaccompaniesthehands-onskillbuilding.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Understandlongtermsurvivalprioritiesandhazards•Areabletoconstructshelters,tools,clothes,andcontainersfromnaturalmaterials•Areadeptatcreatingavarietyofprimitivesurvivaltoolsforhuntingand gathering •HaveadetailedunderstandingoftheindigenouscultureslocaltothePacificNorthwest

The Six Modules of the Advanced Wilderness Skills Program

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6. Teaching and Leading Wilderness ProgramsAdvanceyourskillsandconfidenceinnature-basedprogramplanning,communication, andmentoring. Gain practical experience in outdooreducationandbecomeequippedwiththetoolsnecessarytobesuccessfulin the field of wilderness skills education. This module also coverscommunitybuilding,publicspeaking,andexpeditionplanning.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Gaintheconfidenceandexperiencerequiredtodesignanddelivernature-basededucationalprograms•Gaintoolstoincreaseawarenessofselfandothersinwaysthatapplytoworkinginoutdooreducation•Experienceplanningandimplementingday-long,weekend,andweek-longnature-basedprograms•Experienceplanningweek-longwildernessexpeditions•CompleteaWildernessFirstRespondercertification•Learnskillsofcommunitybuildingandorganizingcommunityevents•Gaindirectexperienceteachingnatureskillstoyouthandadults

5. Wildlife Tracking in Field ScienceLearn how to apply tracking skills to field science work. Improve track& sign identification and interpretation skills, aswell as trailing abilities.This includes learning to identify and record tracking information in newenvironments,skullandboneidentification,andadvancedhumantrackingskills.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Haveasetofcareer-focusedtrackingskills•Gainanin-depthknowledgeofmammalbehaviors•Knowhowtotraillargemammalsandhumansinavarietyofterrains•ParticipateinaTrailingEvaluationwithCyberTrackerConservation International•Understandthebasics of bird counts and banding

4. Applied Naturalist SkillsBuildonexistingknowledgeofecology,flora,andfaunaandlearntoapplytheseskillsinvariousenvironmentalprojects.Learnscientificmethodsandbestpracticesforavarietyoftypesofenvironmentalstudiesandfieldwork.

Oncompletionofthismodule,graduates:•Haveanin-depthunderstandingoftheecologyofvarioushabitattypesinthePacificNorthwest•Gainknowledgeofthebestpracticesforcareersinhabitatrestoration,foreststewardship,andwildlifestudies•Knowhowtoapplytheirskillstovariousenvironmentalprojects•Haveamoredetailedknowledgeofplantandanimalspeciesofconcern(endangered/threatened)inthePacificNorthwest•Havecompletedseveralfield-basedprojectsonwetlands,wildlife,habitat,andforeststewardship

InstructionTheAlderleafprogramsdeliverthecoursematerialthroughanintegratedapproachtoeducationthatrevolvesaround hands-on field-based learning experiences. This approach includes group and individual learningactivities,researchprojectscompletedoutsideofclasstime,aswellasclassroomlecture.Lecturespresentmaterial in a clear and straightforward manner and often include both oral instruction and multi-mediapresentations.Theyprepareyou for theexperiential componentsof thecoursewhichvary fromgroup toindividualexercises,aswellasmulti-levelprojectsthatarefunandchallenging.Homeworkassignmentsoftenincludereading,writing,researchprojects,andexperientialexercises.This integratedapproachallowsthestudent to build a strong foundation of knowledge.

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Class SizeTherearetypicallytwentytothirtystudentsinaclasscohortwithoftentwocohortsrunningsimultaneously.Mostclassdaysareledbyaleadinstructorsupportedbyanassistant.Additionally,acohortisoftenbrokenintosmallergroupsofeighttotenstudentsforspecificactivitiesandhikes,especiallyonfieldtrips.Eachcohortissupportedbyateamofcorefaculty,adjunctteachersandguestinstructors.Ourexperiencedfacultyserveasmentorstothestudentbodyandareinvolvedwithallaspectsofthecoursesaswellaseachstudent’slearningprocess.Knowledgeableadjunct facultyandguest teachersalso teachat theprograms,offeringspecializedinstructioninspecifictopics.Staffarepresentatallclassdaysandfieldtrips.Studentsmeetone-on-onewithacorefacultymemberinDecember,February,andattheendoftheschoolyeartoreviewlearninggoals,grades,andprogresstowardsgraduation.Theaverageratioofstudentsenrolledtoinstructorsemployedis15:1.Themaximumclasssizeisthirtystudents.

Facilities and ResourcesTheAlderleafprogramsarebasedoutofourcampusinthefoothillsoftheCascadeMountains.ThecampusislocatedabovetheSkykomishRivervalleybetweenthetownsofSultanandMonroeinWashingtonState.Wearelocated30milesnortheastofSeattle.Ourpropertyisanevolvingmodelofenvironmentalsustainability.Theforestedportioncontainsgiantmossycedars,acascadingcreek,adiversityofwildlife,andseveralwetlands.Itisadjacenttothousandsofacresofforestlandswithmanylakes,streams,andmountains.We’refortunatetohave the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in our backyard.

TheAlderleaflandhousesourmainclassrooms,library,andoffice,aswellasoursmallpermaculturefarm.ThisisnotanADAaccesiblefaciltiy,howeverreasonableaccomodationwillbeprovidedattherequestofthestudent.Thefarmalsoincludesresidences,aworkshop,rootcellar,coboven,pastures,ponds,gardens,chickens,sheep,allama,andmanyfruit&nuttrees.Residentsshareapassionfornature,sustainabilityandcommunity,andoftenenjoytheopportunitytogroworganicfoodandstewardtheland.

Ourinstructionalresourcesincludeanextensivefieldguidecollection,avarietyofinstructionalhand-outs,articles,andotherwrittenmaterials,expeditionequipment,andavarietyoftoolsrelatingtothefieldsofinstruction.TheprogramsalsomakeuseoftheinstructionalaidsavailableatregionaleducationcenterssuchasNorthwestTrekWildlifeParkandtheMakahCulturalandResearchCenter.

We welcome anyone interested in the school to schedule a tour of the campus and visit a program. You can also view our virtual video tour online on our website,

www.wildernesscollege.com

Academic CalendarTheprogramsmeet for thirty-threeweeksof instruction fromSeptember through June.Twenty-sevenweeksareregularclassweeks,whilesixareovernightfieldtrips.

During regularclassweeks, theprogramsmeet from9:30amto3:30pmonTuesdays,Wednesdays,andThursdays;orFridays,SaturdaysandSundays.Theprogramsoftenembarkondaytripstoregionalwildernessareasandteachingsitesduringtheseweeks.Studentsshouldplanforextratraveltime(uptoonehoureachway)forthesedays.OnFridaysstudentshavetheoptiontoparticipateinourfarmprojectdayswhereweimplementthecampuspermacultureplan.

Overthecourseoftheyeartherearefour5-dayfieldtripsandtwo4-dayfieldtrips.Theseovernightfieldtripsarecorecomponentsofthecoursesandthusstudentsareexpectedtoattendandparticipateinalltripsaspartofcompletingtheprograms.

ThereisafourweekwinterbreakduringtheholidayseasonandathreeweekspringbreakinMarch.GraduationstakeplaceinJune.

“Before attending Alderleaf, I had a theoretical idea of my place in the natural world, but now that idea has transformed into a visceral

feeling of belonging to a place.” — Jessica Ennis ’12

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General CalendarFall•ClassesBegin:SecondweekofSeptember•AWCP-Oregondunesfieldtrip:September•AWSP-Trackingexpedition:October•AWCP-OlympicPeninsulafieldtrip:October•AWSP-MarineEcologyfieldtrip:November

Winter•Winterbreak:LasttwoweeksofDecemberandfirsttwoweeksofJanuary•AWCP-NorthCascadesfieldtrip:February

Spring•SpringBreak:LastthreeweeksofMarch•AWCP-ColumbiaBasinDesertfieldtrip:April•AWCP-MethowValleyfieldtrip:May•AWSP-EasternCascadesfieldtrip:May•AWSP-RockyMountainfieldtrip:May•AWCP-WesternCascadesfieldtrip:June•AWSP-Permaculturefieldtrip:June•Graduation:SecondweekendinJune

Office Hours of OperationTheAlderleafofficeisgenerallyopen9amto5pm,MondaythroughFriday,excludingmajorholidays(NewYear’sDay,FourthofJuly,LaborDay,Thanksgiving,andChristmas).

Jason Knight, Program Director & PresidentJason Knight is the director and a co-founder of Alderleaf Wilderness College. He hastaughtnatureskillsforovertwentyyearswithexpertiseinanimaltrackingandwildernesssurvivalskills.Heisaseasonedwildlifebiologistandwildernesseducator,havingworkedwith conservation organizations, government agencies, and in the private sector. Jasonis certified as aSenior Tracker (Track&SignSpecialist and TrailingSpecialist) throughCyberTracker International. He also holds a Permaculture Design Certificate. Jason has

managedcougarstudies fortheWashingtonStateDepartmentofFishandWildlife,aswellasgraywolfresearchincentralIdaho.HereceivedhisBachelorofScienceinWildlifeEcology&EnvironmentalEducationfromTheEvergreenStateCollege.Jasonalsoenjoysworkingonnaturalbuildingprojectsonthecampusfarm,playingguitar,andhikingwithhiswifeanddaughter.

Chris Byrd, Core InstructorChrisByrdacoreinstructoratAlderleaf.Hehasbeenanaturalist inthePacificcoaststatesforthelastfifteenyears.ChrisholdsaTrack&SignSpecialistCertificationandhas been trailing animals in the Pacific Northwest intensively for the last six years.ChrishastaughttrackingandecologyforanumberoflocalorganizationsincludingTheNorthCascades Institute,WildernessAwarenessSchool,WildWhatcom,TheCascadeLandConservancy,andWesternWashingtonUniversity.Hehasapost-graduatedegree

in education fromHumboldtStateUniversity, and in2009 completedWAS’s year-longoutdoor skillsprogram.Chrisalsocurrentlyco-runstheCascadiaNaturalistAssociation,acommunityoutdoorprogramforadultsbasedinBellingham,WA.

Jedidiah Forsyth, Core InstructorJedidiahForsythisacoreinstructoratAlderleaf.BornandraisedinthePacificNorthwesthehasbeenapassionatenaturalistsincehisyouth,fosteringhisinterestinthenaturalworldinthefieldsandforestsofWashington,Oregon,California,andBritishColumbia.Jedidiahstudiedprimitive livingskillsatTomBrown,Jr’sTrackerschoolandholdsaTrackerIIIcertification.Asawildlifetrackingandnaturalhistoryeducator,Jedidiahworkswithcommunitymemberstopromotepositiverelationshipswithwildlifeandthenaturalworld,andinhiscapacityasa

survivalandprimitiveskillsinstructorstrivestodeveloptheskillsnecessaryforprofessionalandcitizenscientiststospendsafeandproductive timeafield. Jedidiahhelped foundandco-coordinates theCascadiaNaturalistAssociation,anorganizationdedicatedtodevelopingecoliteracyandplacebasedconnection,andco-hoststheassociatedradioshowandpodcast‘WildCascadia’.Hefindsgreatjoyinsharingskillsthathedeeplycaresfor,andhopestohelpfosteracultureofself-relianceandenvironmentalparticipation.JedidiahtakesgreatcomfortinwildernessandwhennotworkingwiththecommunitycanbefoundinthedeepplacesoftheNorthwestonthetrailofblackbear,graywolf,andcougar.

Russell Field, Core InstructorRussellFieldisacoreinstructoratAlderleaf.HeisagraduateoftheAlderleafWildernessCertification Program, the Advanced Wilderness Skills Program, and the AdvancedWildernessInstructorApprenticeshipProgram.HeholdsaPermacultureDesignCertificateand is certified through CyberTracker Conservation International as a Level II Tracker(LevelIITrack&SignCertificateandLevelIITrailingCertificate).Russhasalwaysbeeninterested in thenativeanimalsandplantsofWesternWashington,havinggrownup in

southSnohomishCounty.Heisanavidoutdoorsmanandspendslotsofhistimeintheforesthikingandclimbing.Russellisawell-roundednaturalistwithanemphasisonbushcraft,traditionalskills,andhabitatrestoration.Flintknappingstonetoolsandprimitivehuntingarehismainfocus.Heenjoysprettymuchanything that involves sticks or rocks.

Staff

Core Faculty

TheAlderleafWildernessCertificationProgramistaughtbybothcoreandadjunctfaculty.Corefacultyareinvolvedwithallaspectsoftheprogram,fromteachingtoadministrativefunctions,aswellascoordinatingguests,fieldtrips,andoverseeingstudentprogress.Adjunctfacultymembersofferexpertinstructioninuniqueareasofthecurriculum.

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David Boehnlein, Permaculture InstructorDaveBoehnleinleadsthepermaculturedesigncurriculumatAlderleafWildernessCollege.Heco-authoredthebookPractical Permaculture.HeistheprincipalatTerraPhoenixDesign,wherehehelpsclientsaroundtheglobeachievetheirsustainabilitygoalsthroughintegratedmaster planning. He also serves as the Education Director at the 30 year old Bullock’sPermaculture Homestead on Orcas Island, WA. His freelance “gun-for-hire” teachingservices are highly sought after by organizations including universities, non-profits, and

tradeassociations.DaveholdsaB.S.inNaturalResources&EnvironmentalStudiesfromtheUniversityofMinnesota.Heworkedinoutdooreducationforanumberofyearsandwhileguidingeco-toursinCostaRicahestumbleduponpermaculturedesign.Hejumpedinwithbothfeetandhasn’tlookedbacksince.Daveispassionateaboutplants-especiallyweird,butusefulones.Healsolovesmushroomhunting,playsgamesofallkinds,andworkstomainstreampermaculturewithintegrity.

Heather Swift, Ethnobotany InstructorHeatherSwift is anethnobotany instructoratAlderleaf.Heather ispassionateaboutwildplantsandregularlyharvestswildplantsformedicineandfood.Shehasbeenanethnobotanyinstructor at Cascadia Community College and taught private classes in wild edible andmedicinal plants. She is the founder of Cohabitats, a consulting collective that fostersconservation, restorationandstewardship.Shehasappliedher trackingskillsworkingonwildlifestudiesforCascadeLandConservancyandConservationNorthwest.Afterconverting

herbackyardtobeacertifiedwildlifehabitat,shenowinstructshomeownersonenhancingwildlifehabitaton their properties.Heather is a regular speaker for organizations includingBuiltGreen, theNorthwestEcoBuildlingGuild,andWSUExtension.SheholdsanM.S.inManagementfromAntiochUniversitySeattlewhere shewas on the faculty. She completedWSU’s Forest Stewardship program and is certified as aCyberTrackerLevelIIforTrack&Sign.Heatherisanartistandenjoyshiking,cyclingandrockclimbingwithherhusbandBen.

Heidi Bohan, Ethnobotany InstructorHeidiBohanisaneducatorspecializinginnativeplantsandtheirtraditionaluses.AtAlderleafHeidi teaches several ethnobotany classes in AWSP. She is the author of ‘The People of Cascadia-Pacific Northwest Native American History’,‘StarflowerNativePlantIDCards’and‘JourneyPlantMedicineCards’.SheisamemberoftheSnoqualmieTribeCanoeFamily,worksfulltimefortheSnoqualmieTribeasaculturaleducatorandadvisor,andconsultantfortheirnativeplantrestorationprojects.SheisalsoadjunctfacultyforBastyrUniversityandteachesatotherlocalcollegesincludingNorthwestIndianCollege.

Adjunct Faculty

“Not only has Alderleaf Wilderness College given me the skills it takes to be the most popular kid in the apocalypse, but also to walk the naturalist path with intention and veracity for all that the wilds have to offer. Rest assured, the year will blossom your acquisitive mind as well as grant tenure to the soles of the barest of feet. Transformation is no stranger here and neither will you be.” Aaron Van Geem ‘16

Benjamin Mardis, Core InstructorBenjaminMardisisacoreinstructoratAlderleaf.Heisanexperiencededucatorandhasspent threeyears volunteeringon farmsandhomesteadsaround the countrypracticingsustainablelivingskills.BenisagraduateofboththeAlderleafWildernessCertificationPro-gramandtheAdvancedWildernessSkillsProgram.HeholdsaLevelIITrackerCertificationandaPermacultureDesignCertification.BenwasbornandraisedontheeastcoastbeforefindinghiscallinginthePacificNorthwest.Heservedasasonartechnicianonsubmarinesin

theUnitedStatesNavy.Benisapassionatenaturalistwholovesunfoldingthemysteriesoftheplants,birds,andfungalkingdom.Whennotworkingonmushroomcultivationorherbalismprojectsyoucanfindhiminthegardenorintheforestphotographingbirds.

Administrative & Farm StaffKerry Knight, Farm Manager & Vice President KerryservesasthefarmmanagerandprovideslogisticalsupportatAlderleafWildernessCollege.ShehasspentmanyyearsstudyingherbalmedicineandpermacultureandiscertifiedasaCommunityCenteredHerbalist(CCH)throughRavencroftGarden.Beforeco-foundingAlderleaf,sheworkedinavarietyofpositionsmaintainingsmallfarmsandlargegreenhouses.KerrywasanassistantgallerycuratorattheIndianapolisChildren’sMuseum,wasinvolvedwithartifactpreservationatTheGlenBlackLab,andalsoworkedon a Mayan archaeological site in Central America. Kerry also holds a Permaculture

DesignCertificate.KerrycompletedherBachelorofArtsinAnthropologyfromIndianaUniversity.Sheenjoyssharingherknowledgeofherbalmedicine,animalhusbandry,andworking inthegardenwithvolunteers,herfamily,andstudents.

Erika Iverson, Admissions Assistant & InstructorErika Iverson is theadmissionsassistantandan instructoratAlderleaf.ShewasbornandraisedinPolkCity,Iowabutfeltthecallofthemountainsfromayoungage.Spendingheryouthrunningaroundthewoodsofhergrandparents400acrefarmshefellinlovewithfeelingthedirtbeneathherfeetandwantingtounravelthemysteryofthewildlifearoundher.AfterbrieflyattendingIowaStatewhereshemajoredinJournalismandPhilosophy,sheventuredwest to theRockiesofColoradoandthenNorthwest to theCascadesofWashingtonwhereshegraduatedwithhonorsfromtheAlderleafWildernessCertificationProgram.Erikaholdsa

permaculturedesigncertificateaswellasalevelIIItrack&signcertificatefromCyberTrackerInternational.SheisalsoaregisteredRemoteEMTthroughRemoteMedicalInternational.Herpassionsincludeplants,whethertheybeedible,medicinal,poisonous,orjustplainpretty;aswellasanimaltracking;andartsandcraftsmadeofnaturalmaterialslikebones,feathers,leatherandstones.Inherfreetimeshelovesexploringnewtrailsandfindingthosespecialplacesthatnoteverybodygetstosee.Erikabelievesthatthetoughertheclimbisthemorerewardingthesummit!

Madison Clark, Office ManagerMadison Clark is the office manager at Alderleaf Wilderness College. With her warm andwelcomingpersonality,Madisonservesasacentralpointofcommunicationattheschool.ShehaslivedinWashingtonsinceshewastwoyearsoldandspentherchildhoodonfarmsandgardens, exploring theoutdoorsandgazingat the starsat everyopportunity theovercastskiesofthePNWgaveher.MadisongraduatedtheAlderleafWildernessCertificationProgramwithHonors.SheholdsaWildernessFirstResponderCertificationthroughWildernessMedicineTrainingCenter andplans to begin training as anEMTandworkwithSearch andRescue.

Madisonispassionateaboutwildlifeconservation,trackingandtrailingandreceivedaLevelIITrack&SignCertificatethoughCybertracker. 13

“The Alderleaf Wilderness Certification Program provides an amazing space for the opportunity to develop yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually”

Joshua Laxson ’15

Allan Sande, Nature-Based Teaching and Leadership InstructorAllan“Hawkeye”Sandehasovertwodecadesofexperienceteachingyoungpeopleaboutnature and Native American life. At Alderleaf Allan shares his expertise in education,mentoring,andprogramdevelopment.AllanisthedirectorofQuietHeartWildernessSchoolwhichhefoundedin1997whenhesawtheneedforchildrentohavetheopportunitytoexploreandunderstand thewilderness.Since that time,QuietHearthasgrown intoaneducationalprogramforpeopleofallageswithachild’sheartfortheoutdoors.Allanhasa

degreeinBusinessManagementandabackgroundinChildhoodEducation.Hisdesiretobringyoungpeoplebackintouchwiththeearthfuelshispassiontoteach.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why the name Alderleaf ?InthePacificNorthwesttheredalderisoftenthefirsttreetoreturntoadamagedecosystem.Itgrowsrapidlyandhelpsfertilizethesoilthroughfixingnitrogenanddropping its leaves.Ithelpspreparethegroundforthereturnofmatureold-growthtreespeciessuchaswesternredcedarandwesternhemlock. Inmanyways, the redalder is thebridgebetweenanecosystemoutofbalanceandahealthyold-growthforest.Intoday’sworldweareexperiencinganenvironmentfaroutofbalance.Withincreasingclimatechangetherapiddepletionofnaturalresources,andastrongsocietaldisconnectfromnature,muchworkisneeded to restore cultural and biological balance. Alderleaf strives to be liketheredalder,providingthesupporttopromoteandrestorehealthy,sustainablerelationshipswiththenaturalworld.Thusthenameservesusasapowerfulmetaphor, remindingusof the importantworkandeducationneededatthiscrucialtimeinhistory.

What is a typical class day like?Classdaysarespentlearningspecificskillsfromoneoftheprogram’scoresubjects.Mostclassdaysbeginat9:30amandoftenstartwithaninspiringpresentationrelatingtotheday’stopic.Foranexample,adaycouldbeginwithaslideshowpresentationabouttheusesofstingingnettle(awildplant)forfood,medicine,andcordage,includingpropercollectionandpreparationmethods.Thissectionofthedayusuallylastsbetweenoneandtwohoursandispepperedwithpertinentstories,practicalinformation,andguidance.

Thenextportionofthedayisspentgettingyourhandsintotheskills,ofteninsmallgroupsorteamsguidedbythefaculty.Mostoftheclasstimeisspentgainingtangibleexperienceandpracticewiththeskillathand.Asanexample,ourstingingnettledaywouldcontinuewithbreakingintosmallgroupsandgoingoutintothefieldtoidentifyandcollecttheusablepartsoftheplantusingethicalharvestingtechniques.Theplantmaterialwouldthenbebroughtbacktotheclassroomwherethegroupswouldmakestingingnettlesoup,begincreatingamedicinalinfusion,andprocessthestalksintocordage(stringforbowsandotherprojects).Thissectionofthedayoftenlastsaroundfourhours.Ashortlunchbreaktakesplacemid-day.

Towardstheendoftheclassday,thegroupsreconvenetoshareanddiscusstheday’slearningactivities.Thisprovidesagreatopportunityforstudentstosharestories,learnfromeachother’sexperiences,gainvaluablefeedbackfromthestaff,andcelebratetheday’saccomplishments.Asanexample,attheendofthedayspentonstingingnettle,thesmallergroupswouldjoinbacktogetherasoneclasstosharetheirdifferentfoodsmadefromthenettleandtotestthecompletedstingingnettlecordageforusewithabowdrillfire-makingkit.Onmostdays,classwrapsupat3:30pm.

What are field trips like?TherearemultipleovernightfieldtripstodifferentlocationsinthePacificNorthwestthattakeplaceoverthecourseoftheschoolyear.AWCPfieldtripsincludevisitingtheOregoncoastsanddunes,OlympicPeninsulaold-growth forests,NorthCascadeMountains,andsagebrushdesertsofCentralWashington.AWSPfieldtrips includevisitingtheSanJuanIslands,TeanawayRiverandEasternCascadesinWashington.Duringthesetripsyouarecampingand livingoutdoors.Thesetripsareconsidered intensives,asteachingandexperientialactivitiesareoftenscheduledthroughouttheentiretrip.Staffandstudentsalikelookforwardtotheseadventure-filledimmersionexperiences.

Can international students apply?Yes. AlderleafWilderness College is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students(internationalstudents/non-UScitizens).Onceyouhaveappliedwewillcontactyoutodiscussthestudentvisaprocess.

Where do students live while attending the Certification Program?ManystudentsrenthomestogetherintheSultanorMonroeareaswhileattendingAlderleaf.Moststudentsenjoytheaddedbenefitoflivingtogetherwithfellowclassmateswhoshareapassionfornature,wildernessskills,sustainability,andcommunity.Studentsoftenworktogethertosecurehousingarrangements.Alderleafhostsanemailgroupforincomingstudentsthatallowsstudentstocoordinatewitheachotherbeforetheprogrambegins.Ourofficealsosendsouthousingleadsthroughtheemailgroup.Werecommendtravelingtotheareaatleastseveralweeksbeforetheprogrambeginstofindandsecurehousing.

There is also limited dormitory-style student housing available at several nearbyproperties throughTualcoHousingLLC,aseparateentity(notAlderleafWildernessCollege).Theirpropertiesaresupervisedbyaresidentassistant/propertymanager.TualcoHousingLLCstronglyencouragesandwelcomesAlderleafstudentstoapply.Sincespaceislimitedandfillsearly,werecommendcontactingTualcoHousingLLCasearlyaspossibleifyouwishtoapplyto liveatoneofthesenearbyproperties.*ImportantNotefromTualcoHousingLLC:Priortoapplyingforhousingpleasecarefullyreadthehousingdescriptions,samplehousingagreement,andsamplehouserulestodeterminewhetherornotthisdormitory-stylelivingsituationwouldbeagoodfitforyou.Housingpricesrangesfrom$425to$800amonthdependingontheroomsizeandifitisshared.Toapplyorlearnmore,contacttheAlderleafofficebyphone:360-793-8709oremail:info@wildernesscollege.com.

Can I work while participating in the program? What kinds of jobs are available in the area?Duringregularclassweeks,theprogramsmeetfrom9:30amto3:30pmonTuesdays,Wednesdays,andThursdays.Thisallowsampletimeforstudentstopickupparttimeworkwhileattendingthecourse.Jobscanbe found inMonroeand thesurrounding townsandcities.Paststudentshave foundwork incoffeeshops,plantnurseries, landscaping,farms,childcare, intherestaurantbusiness,andavarietyofotherpositions.Therearealsoenvironmentaleducationorganizationsthatworkwithchildrenintheregionthatmayhavecontractworkavailableforthosewithexperience.Findingworkoftenrequiresbeingproactive-suchasputtingtogetherastrongresume,meetingwithmanagers,etc.Itcanalsohelptohaveabackupplanincaseittakeslongerthanexpectedtofindajob.

What type of certification / credential is awarded to graduates?TheAlderleafWildernessCertificationProgramandtheAdvancedWildernessSkillsProgramarevocationalprograms.Thecoursesprovidestudentswiththetrainingnecessarytobeexcellentnaturalists,environmentaleducators,andfieldresearcherswithaspecializationinTraditionalEcologicalKnowledge.

Upon graduation of AWCP, students receive a Certificate inWilderness Skills Education & Ecology. InadditiontotheAlderleafcertificate,graduatesofAWCPalsoreceiveaPermacultureDesignCertificate.AWCPstudentsalsoparticipateinanofficialTrack&SignEvaluation(theinternationalstandardfortestingwildlifetrackers),whichprovidestheopportunitytobecomeacertifiedwildlifetracker.AWCPstudentsalsoreceiveaWildernessFirstAidcertification.

UpongraduationofAWSP,studentsreceiveaCertificate inAdvancedWildernessSkillsEducation.AWSPgraduatesalsoreceiveaWildernessFirstRespondercertificationandparticipateinaTrailingEvaluation.

TheAlderleafcertificatesaresignedbythecorefacultyandareaphysicalrepresentationofthehardwork,study,andexperiencethathasbeencompleted.

What types of jobs would I be qualified for after completing the programs?The courses prepare students to be excellent naturalists, wilderness skills instructors, permaculturedesigners, wildlife trackers, and environmental field technicians. Many graduates go on to work in theenvironmentalfield inpositionssuchasoutdooreducators,parknaturalists,andfieldresearchers.Manyfindworkatwildernessschoolsaroundthecountry.Examplesinclude:graduateJessicaEnnisbeinghiredasawilderness instructoratEarthNativeWildernessSchool inAustin;graduatePhil JohnstongettingapositiondoingmountainlionresearchinCalifornia;andgraduatePatrickLoderhosebeinghiredtoworkasapermaculturedesignerforPermacultureNow.Manyalumniprofilescanbeviewedonouralumniwebpage.Wealsomaintainawebpageonoutdoorcareers,withlinkstojobpostingsasaresourceforgraduates.

Who attends Alderleaf Core Programs?Adultsofallages,experiencelevels,andwalksoflifeattendtheAlderleafprograms,fromstudentsstraightoutofhighschooltoretiredadults.Moststudentsarecompletingthecourseaspartofcareerpreparationandtraining,althoughothersareprimarilyinterestedinthepersonalvalueoftheeducation.Moststudentsareintheirmid-twentiesandarepursuingenvironmentaland/oreducationalcareers.Studentsoftensharealovefortheoutdoors,wildlife,andsustainability.

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“I think everyone should attend a course like Alderleaf. It is such a positive experience and has really opened my mind to many passions.” — Austin Hirsch ’13

Why attend the Alderleaf program over a similar program? What are the benefits?TherearemanybenefitstoattendingAlderleaf.Severalarelistedbelow:

1. Graduates of Alderleaf receive professional certifications.StudentsreceiveAlderleafcertificatesthatprepareyoutoworkinthefieldsofnatureeducationandenvironmentalscience.Also,aspartofAWCP,studentscomplete the internationalPermacultureDesignCertificationwhichqualifiesgraduatestoworkaspermaculturedesignershelpinglandownersimplementsustainablelivingpracticesinto their property. You also participate in official CyberTracker Evaluations, the international standard forprofessional trackers,where you have the opportunity to become a certifiedwildlife tracker. Students alsoreceiveaWildernessFirstAidcertification.SeewhatAlderleafalumnihavedoneaftergraduatingonouralumniwebpage: www.wildernesscollege.com/alderleaf-alumni.html.

2. Classes are taught by skilled professionals.Allofour instructorsareexperiencededucatorsandmanyare recognized leaders in their respectivefields. The collective wisdom and experience of our instructors provides youwith an incredibly richeducationalexperience.

3. Our campus is a small-scale permaculture farm and sustainably-stewarded forest.Studentshavetheopportunitytobeinvolvedwithourfarmandforestaspartofacommunityengagedinnaturestudyandsustainableliving.Thereisanindoorclassroom/library,anoutdoorclassroom,alargebarn/workshop,office,residences,agreenhouse,trails,alargecreek,ponds,chickens,sheep,allama,andmanygardensonourland.Wehaveapermaculturesiteplan,regularprojectparties,communitypotlucks,andplentyofwildernesstoexplore.Amixofinstructors,apprentices,communitymembers,andstudentsliveonsite.Studentsandresidentscaneasilyworktogetheronprojectsoutsideofclass,goonhikestogether,andhavelotsoffun!

4. We provide guidance and support for finding employment.Alderleafpreparesyoutoworkinawiderangeofprofessionalenvironmentalcareers,rangingfromoutdooreducation,towildliferesearch,andpermaculture.Weareabletohelpgraduatesconnectwithorganizationsandemploymentopportunities in their chosenfield. Wemaintainawebpageonenvironmental careers.Alderleafalsohelpstudentsconnectwithwildernessschoolsaroundthecountrytogainemployment.

May I visit the program to see what its like?Yes.IfyouareconsideringattendingAlderleaf,youcanscheduleatimetovisittheschoolwhileprogramsareinsession.Wearemorethanhappytoprovideanopportunitytomeetstudentsandstaffandtoseeourcampus.Pleasecontactustoscheduleavisit.Youcanalsoviewourvirtual video tour online at www.wildernesscollege.com/alderleaf-campus-and-facilities.html.

Are there options for further study after graduation?Yes.GraduatesofAWCPorAWSPmayapplytotheWildernessInstructorApprenticeship.Contactustolearnmore.

How can I learn more?Foranexpandedlistof“frequentlyaskedquestions”,visitourwebpage:www.wildernesscollege.com/frequently-asked-questions.htmlReadongoingupdatesaboutthecurrentcoursesatourblog:

www.wildernesscollege.com/survival-school-blog.html

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TuitionAWCPTuition:$12,950AWSPTuition:$12,950

Tuition Payment Plans - Weoffertwodifferenttuitionpaymentoptions:1.Balancepaidintwoequalpayments,dueinAugustandJanuary2.Monthlypaymentsfinancingplan(requiresapprovedcreditapplications)

Financial Aid - AlderleafWildernessCollegebelievesthatfinancialabilityshouldnotlimitaccesstoaqualityeducation.Therefore,scholarshipsandfinancingplansareavailableforAWCPandAWSP.

•Scholarships-Work-tradescholarshipsareavailableforAWCPandAWSPparticipants.Theschoolawardsseveralwork-tradescholarshipsbasedonfinancialneedwhichrangefrom$500to$2,500.Thescholarshipapplicationisavailablefordownloadfromour“FrequentlyAskedQuestions”webpage.

•Financing Plans-Youcanapplytofinanceaportionofyourtuitionoverafouryearperiodwithmonthlypayments.Contactustolearnmore.Thefinancingplancreditapplicationisavailablefordownloadfromour“FrequentlyAskedQuestions”webpage.

•Personal Loans/Lines of Credit -Loansand/orlinesofcreditfromyourbankcanbeagreatoptionformanystudents.Manylocalandnationalbanksoffercompetitiveratesandterms.Speakingwithyourlocalbranchmanagerisagreatplacetostart.

• Student Credit Cards –Creditcardscanalsoplayaroleinfinancingyoureducation,whilehelpingbuildgoodcredit.Studentcreditcardsaredesignedforpeopleinvestingintheireducation.

•Veterans Benefits –TuitionassistanceforAWCPisavailabletoUSVeteransthroughtheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs:http://www.gibill.va.gov/.Whenusingveteransbenefitstopaytuition,enrollmentsaresubmittedtotheVAinthreesessions(SessionOne:startdatetowinterbreak;SessionTwo:returnfromwinterbreaktospringbreak;andSessionThree:returnfromspringbreaktograduation).TuitionamountssubmittedtotheVAare$6,475.00forsessionone,$3,237.50forsessiontwo,and$3,237.50forsessionthree.

•Americorps Education Awards -AmericorpsawardsmaybeusedtowardsthecollegecreditoptionwithWesternStateColoradoUniversitywithremainingbalancesappliedtowardsAlderleaftuition.

•529 College Savings Plans - Thanks to our partnership with the Extended Studies Department ofWesternStateColoradoUniversity(WSCU),youmaynowusea529CollegeSavingsPlantowardsAlderleaftuitionbyregisteringfortheWSCUcreditoption.WSCUwillacceptapaymentfromthe529planthatcoversboththecostoftheWSCUcreditsandtheAlderleaftuition.AnyonecanregisterandyoudonotneedtobeacurrentWSCUstudent.First,applytoAlderleafandthencompletetheWSCUcollegecreditpacketandmailittoWSCU.PleasenotifybothAlderleafandWSCUofyourintenttousea529plan.Onceyouhavebeenacceptedandregisteredyoucanthenhaveyour529fundssenttoWSCU.WSCUwillretainthecostforthecollegecreditsandforwardtheremainingfundstoAlderleaf.

Pleasecontactustodiscussfinancialaid.Ourstaffcanhelpyounavigatethevarietyoffinancialaidoptions!

Tuition, Admissions, & School Policies

Applications & Admissions - StudentsmayapplytoAWCPonlineorwithamail-inapplicationform.Applicationsarereviewedonamonthlybasis.Allapplicantsreceiveaformaldecision letterpostmarkedwithinfourweeksfromthesubmittaldate.Onceaccepted,a$100tuitiondepositregistrationfeeisrequiredforenrollment,whichisduewithinonemonthoftheacceptancedate(forapplicantsacceptedinAugust,thetuitiondepositisdueuponacceptance).EnrollmentpackagesaremailedinJunewhichincludeanequipmentlist,specificprogramdates,andotherimportant information.Enrollmentimplies intenttoattendforthefullyearandacommitmenttopaymentoftheentiretuition.Applicantsshouldbeeighteenyearsofageorolderandhavecompletedaminimumofahighschooldiploma,GEDorequivalentbytheprogramstartdate.Applicantsshouldalsobeabletospeak,readandwriteEnglishandbeingoodphysicalhealthforoutdooractivitiessuchashikingandcamping.Admissionintotheprogramisdeterminedbyanassessmentoftheapplicant’sinterest,capability,andcommitmenttocompletethecoursework.GraduatesofAWCPmayregisterdirectlyintoAWSPbysubmittingadepositandregistrationform.GraduatesofequivalenttrainingsmayapplytoAWSPbywritingatwo-pageletterofintentthatdescribesyourexperienceandgoalsintheprogram.

Certification Requirements - Alderleafcertificatesrecognizethatastudenthasbecomeahighly-trained naturalist and environmental educator. The certificates show that a student has attended andcompleted the coursework of the program. It also recognizes that the student has been assessed andpassedathoroughnaturalistfieldevaluation.Thecertificaterepresentsasignificantbodyofknowledgeandexperienceattainedbythestudent.EachgraduatereceivesaCertificateofCompletionsignedbythefacultymembersandprogramcoordinator.ToachieveaCertificateofCompletionastudentmustachieveagradeof70%orhigherandmeetboththeattendanceandassignmentrequirements.

•Attendance-BecausetheAlderleafprogramsarehands-on,experiential,field-basedcourses,attendanceiscritical.Itisoftennotpossibletoreplicatemissedclassexperienceswithindividualmake-upwork.Assoonasastudentbecomesawareofadayordaystheymighthavetomissforunavoidablereasons,orinthecaseofemergenciesorsuddenillness,theyshouldmakearrangementsforanexcusedabsencewithasmuchadvancednoticeaspossible.Anexcusedabsencerequiresadditionalworktosupplementthemissedcurriculum and activities. Three instances of tardiness equate to one absence, and leaving class earlyequatestoanabsence.ToreceiveaCertificateofCompletion,astudentmaynotaccumulatemorethantwelveabsences(combinedexcusedandunexcusedabsences)duringanacademicyearandisexpectedtoattendallfieldtrips.

•Assignments -AnotheressentialcomponentoftheAlderleafprogramsisthehomeworkassignments.Theseresearchprojects,readings,writtenassignments,andindividualactivitiesarealsocoretocompletingthe curriculumof theprogram.Students are expected to complete all assigned courseworkby theduedate.Intheeventthatworkisnotcompletedbytheduedateduetoemergencyorillness,thestudentandinstructormayworkoutanalternatearrangementtoallowforthesuccessfulcompletionofthecourse.

Auditing the Program - AlderleafWildernessCollegealsoallowsstudentstoauditaprogram(thoughacceptancepriorityisgiventonon-auditingstudents).Alderleafacknowledgesthatsomeapplicantsareinterestedinattendingtheprogramsyetmaynothavethetimetocompletetheassignedhomework,and/ormaynotbeinterestedinbecomingcertifiedasanaturalistandenvironmentaleducator.Auditingstudentsdonotqualifyforscholarships,collegecredit,oraCertificateofCompletion.Becauseoftheexperientialnatureofthecourseandtherisksinvolvedwithsurvivaltraining,auditingstudentsareexpectedtomeetthesameattendancerequirementsasregularstudents.

College Credit - Alderleafprogramsaredesignedtostandaloneasvocationaltrainingorfitintoamulti-yearacademicdegree.AWCP(firstyear)andAWSP(secondyear)studentshavetheoptiontoreceive18collegecreditsperyearthroughWesternStateColoradoUniversity,withanadditionalcredit feepaidtoWestern.Theoptionalcreditsaretransferableforbothprogramsandconsistof9creditsinEnvironmentalStudies,3inBiology,and6inRecreation&OutdoorEducationperyear--36creditsforbothyearscombined.AWSPcreditsareat the297-level.Thecreditscanbeused towardscompletingabachelor’sdegree.Toreceive the optional credits, studentsmust submit special forms and a credit fee toWSCU before theprogrambegins.

StudentsalreadyworkingonadegreeatanothercollegeoruniversitymaybeabletoreceiveundergraduateormasterslevelcreditfortheirlearningexperiencesatAlderleafthroughtheuniversitytheyarealreadyattending.Thereareavarietyofavenues for receivingcredit, including independent learningcontracts,

studyabroadoptions,andPLEcredit(pastlearningexperiencecredit).AdministrativestaffatAlderleafareavailabletohelpstudentscoordinatecreditoptionswithanoutsideinstitutionbyprovidingcoursesyllabi,transcripts,credithourconversions,etc.

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Clock/Contact/Credit HoursThe following clock/contact hour information can helpoutsideinstitutionsdeterminethecreditvalueforcompletionofAWCPandAWSP:Bothprogramsare full time,school-year courses that consist of approximately 770 hours ofcontact time between faculty and students, comprised ofapproximately 256hours of lecture and514hours of labtime, between September and June. For both programs,the 770 hours break down into approximately 128 hoursspent on each of the six course modules. Students also completeapproximately198hoursofhomeworkover thecourseoftheschoolyear,consistingofsixhoursperweekduring the 33 weeks class is in session.

Standards of Student Progress Percentage grades are given at mid-year and at theend of the programs that clearly distinguish between

satisfactory and unsatisfactory progress. 70% and higher is satisfactory progress, while less than70%isunsatisfactoryprogress.Thegradingformulaisbasedonbothattendanceandcompletionofassignments.Additionally,studentswriteaself-evaluationatmid-yearandattheendoftheyeartoassesstheirownprogressinthecourse.Thesedocumentsareimportantcomponentsofeachstudent’stranscriptandarerequiredtograduate.

Other examples of unsatisfactory progress include incomplete homework assignments, incompletemakeupwork frommissedclasses,and lackofparticipation inclass.Where there isunsatisfactoryprogress,thestudentandtheinstructorwillcreateawrittenprobationaryagreementthatindicatesthe stepsand timelineneeded to achieve satisfactoryprogress. Thismeans that the studentmustcompletetheircorrectionalworkinconjunctionwiththecurrentassignments.Ifsatisfactoryprogressisnotattainedduringthisprobationarytime,thenthestudentwillbecomeineligibleforaCertificateofCompletionanddependingonthecircumstances,maybeexpelledoronlyallowedtocontinueasanauditingstudent.Readmissionisatthediscretionoftheprogramdirector.

Academic TranscriptsAlderleafWildernessCollegemaintainsstudenttranscriptsonrecordforfiftyyearsfromthedateofenrollment.Toreceiveacopyofyourtranscript,pleasesendawrittenrequestto:

VocationalPrograms-AlderleafWildernessCollege18715299thAveSEMonroe,WA98272

Program EvaluationsAllstudentsfilloutprogramevaluationsattheendofeachsemester.Theseprogramevaluationsprovideanopportunitytogivecoursefeedbackandevaluatetheeffectivenessofeachfacultymember.Programevaluationsaredoneanonymouslyandhavenobearingonstudenttranscriptsorgrades.

Academic Advising and Counseling Alderleafinstructorsandadministrativestaffaregenerallyavailableforacademicadvisingafterclassfrom 4pm to 5pm on school days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). Alderleaf WildernessCollegedoesnotoffercounselingservices,thoughtheschoolcanprovidecontactinformationforlocalresources.

Job Placement AssistanceAlderleafWilderness College does not provide formal job placement assistance for graduates. Alderleafdoesprovideinformalassistance,throughnetworkingandjobresourceinformationonitswebsite,www.wildernesscollege.com,wherethereisinformationaboutoutdoorcareersandlinkstoenvironmentaljobs.Variousjobopeningsarealsoforwardedthroughouralumniemaillists.

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Refund Policy in compliance with, and as stated within WAC 490-105-040(4)(m)

The school may keep this percentage of the tuition cost:Oneweekorupto10%,whicheverisless 10%

Morethanoneweekor10%whicheverisless,butlessthan25% 25%

25%through50% 50%.

Morethan50% 100%

If the student completes this amount of training:

5.Whencalculatingrefunds,theofficialdateofastudent’sterminationisthelastdayofrecordedattendance:a.Whentheschoolreceivesnoticeofthestudent’sintentiontodiscontinuethetrainingprogram;or,b.Whenthestudentisterminatedforaviolationofapublishedschoolpolicywhichprovidesfortermination;or,c.Whenastudent,withoutnotice,failstoattendclassesforthirtycalendardays.6.Allrefundsmustbepaidwithinthirtycalendardaysofthestudent’sofficialterminationdate.

VA Prorated Refund Policy Addendum:Forstudentsutilizingveterans’benefitsthroughtheDepartmentofVeteran’sAffairs(suchastheGIBill)topayfortuition,thefollowingadditionalrefundconditionsapply.Ifaveteranstudentfailstoenterthecourse,withdraws,orisdiscontinuedatanytimepriortocompletionofthecourse,aproratedtuitionchargewillbecalculatedbasedonthenumberofdaysofinstructioncomplet-eddividedbythetotalnumberofinstructionaldaysinthecourseplus10%oftheexactproratedportionoftuition.Thisproratedcalculationwillbecomparedtotheestablishedregularrefundpolicy,andwhichevercalculationismorefavorabletotheveteranwillbeapplied.

Student Conduct Policies•Drugs and Alcohol - In compliancewith the FederalDrug-FreeSchools andCommunities Act of 1990,AlderleafWildernessCollegeprohibitsthepossession,use,ordistributionofdrugsbystudentsandemployeesonitspropertyoraspartofanyofitsactivities,includingmarijuana.Alcoholconsumptionisprohibitedduringschooltimeincludingfieldtrips.Suchconductwillresultindisciplinarysanctionsuptoandincludingprobation,suspension,expulsion,and/orreferralforprosecution.

•Violence and Abusive Behavior -AlderleafWildernessCollege is committed tomaintaininga safeandhealthyenvironmentforallfaculty,staff,andstudents,andwillnottolerateanyformofviolenceorabusivebehaviorcommittedbyoragainstanymemberofitscommunity.Allreportsofviolenceorabusivebehavioraretakenseriously.Violenceandabusivebehaviorincludesanyattempted,threatened,oractualconductthatendangersorislikelytoendangerthehealthorsafetyofacommunitymemberorvisitor,oranythreateningstatement,harassment,orbehaviorthatgivesacommunitymemberorvisitorreasonablecausetobelievethathisorherhealthorsafetyisatrisk.Suchconductwillalsoresultindisciplinarysanctionsuptoandincluding

probation,suspension,expulsion,and/orreferralforprosecution.Readmissiontoaprogram,followingadismissalunderthestudentconductpolicies,requirestheapprovaloftheProgramDirector.

Late PaymentsThereisalatepaymentfeeof$50.00iftuitiondoesnotarrivetotheAlderleafWildernessCollegeofficebythescheduledduedates.Ifpaymenthasnotbeenreceivedwithin20daysofthescheduledduedate,thestudentmaybesuspendeduntilthetuitionpaymentisreceived.

Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Certification Program:1.Theschoolmustrefundallmoniespaidiftheapplicantisnotaccepted.Thisincludesinstanceswhereastarting class is canceled by the school.2.Theschoolmustrefundallmoniespaidiftheapplicantcancelswithinfivebusinessdays(excludingSundaysandholidays)afterthedaythecontractissignedoraninitialpaymentismade,aslongastheapplicanthasnotbegun training.3.Theschoolmayretainanestablishedregistrationfeeequaltotenpercentofthetotaltuitioncost,oronehundreddollars,whicheverisless,iftheapplicantcancelspastthefifthbusinessdayaftersigningthecontractormakinganinitialpayment.Aregistrationfeeisanyfeechargedbyaschooltoprocessstudentapplicationsandestablishastudentrecordsystem.4.Iftrainingisterminatedafterthestudententersclasses,theschoolmayretaintheregistrationfeeestablishedunder(3)ofthissubsection,plusapercentageofthetotaltuitionasdescribedinthefollowingtable:

Selected programs of study at Alderleaf Wilderness College are approved by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board’s State Approving Agency (WTECB/SAA) for enrollment of those eligible to receive benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, USC. Alderleaf Wilderness College will review a veteran’s previous education and experience for possible credit.

Alderleaf Wilderness College is licensed as a vocational school under Chapter 28C.10 RCW; inquiries or complaints regarding this or any other private career school may be made to the: Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, 128 Tenth Ave. S.W., P.O. Box 43105, Olympia, Washington 98504-3105 (Web: wtb.wa.gov, Phone:360/753-5673, Email: pvsa@wtb.wa.gov).

Alderleaf Wilderness College does not and will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollment or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or admissions activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.

Alderleaf Wilderness College is a registered S-corporation, recognized in the State of Washington and under federal law in the United States of America. The owners of Alderleaf Wilderness College are Jason and Kerry Knight. Alderleaf Wilderness College encourages diversity and accepts applications from all minorities. Alderleaf does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability. Alderleaf acknowledges that the information pertaining an applicant’s disability is voluntary and confidential, and will be made on an individual basis. If this information is presented, Alderleaf will reasonably attempt to provide an accomodation to overcome the effects of the limitation of the qualified applicant. All inquiries about accomodations should be made to the admissions administrator upon registration of the program, some programs require documentation because of the rigors of the curriculum.

Student Grievance- Complaint/Appeal ProcessNothinginthispolicypreventsthestudentfromcontactingtheWorkforceTrainingBoard(thestatelicens-ingagency)at360-709-4600atanytimewithaconcernoracomplaint.StudentswhohaveacomplaintorwouldliketoappealadismissalmustrequestinwritinganappointmentforaninterviewwiththePro-gramDirector.Thewrittenrequestshouldincludethefollowinginformation:

-Student’sfullnameandcurrentaddress-Astatementoftheconcernincludingdate,time,instructors,andifapplicable,otherstudentsinvolved-Dateofthecomplaintletterandsignatureofthestudent-ThreedatesinwhichthestudentwouldbeavailableforameetingwiththeProgramDirector.Thesedatesshouldbewithin10businessdaysofthecomplaint.

TheProgramDirectorwillnotifythestudentinwritingoftheappointmentdateinwhichtheconcernsorappealwillbeaddressed.Everyeffortwillbemadetobringanamicableclosuretotheconcern.Shoulditbenecessary,apanelofinstructorswillheartheconcernsandwillbeaskedtoassistinbringingareso-lutiontotheconcernand/orappeals.Thestudentwillbenotifiedinwritingwithinfivebusinessdaysoftheoutcomeofthemeetings.ShouldthecontractbecanceledbyeitherthestudentortheschoolthelastdateofattendancewillbeusedasthedatetocalculateanyrefundinaccordancewithAlderleaf’srefundpolicy.

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Contact InformationTheAlderleafWildernessCertificationProgram

andAdvancedWildernessSkillsProgramarecoursesrunby:

Alderleaf Wilderness College18715299thAveSE,Monroe,WA98272

(360)793-8709www.WildernessCollege.cominfo@wildernesscollege.com

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“I spent several years searching the world and people around me for answers to what I felt were important questions about relationships and the human condition. At Alderleaf, I’ve found some answers about our relationship to the world in the

past and hopefully our future.” — Jeremy Cobb ’13

www.wildernesscollege.com

100% post consumer waste fiber, Process Chlorine Free, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified, paper manufactured with certified Green-e wind power

“Alderleaf Wilderness College has shown me that I am not alone. It is a community full of passionate individuals who are excited and enthusiastic in sharing their time and knowledge. This program has changed my life, and made me a better person,

even more so than I was expecting.” Carly Benedict ’14

Our Mission is to inspire and empower people to

become lifelong stewards of the natural world.