NIU LLI: This Land Is Our Land: America’s National Parks Carved By Ice

The NIU Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), established in 2000, is a member-directed group of individuals primarily age 50+ who enjoy learning in informal, flexible, non-competitive groups and like connecting with peers who share their interests. No grades, no tests – just learning for the fun of it. Course Description: Erosion, the great equalizer, perpetually wears down the land with the forces of wind and water, but the greatest erosive force on the planet is ice, specifically glacial ice. When more snow falls in the winter than melts in the summer, that snow accumulates and compresses, forming glacial ice, ice that moves over the land reshaping it often with variations beyond our imaginations. Glaciers can even move boulders the size of small houses relocating them miles from their origin. We begin our examination, exploration and discussion with a brief overview of the geology of the Earth’s Ice Ages and the history of America’s national parks, concentrating on those carved by ice. We will focus on Yosemite, the crown jewel and my fave. We will then traverse the continent with glimpses at Acadia, Isle Royale, Voyageurs, Glacier and North Cascades national parks. Then north to Alaska to visit Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords and Wrangell-St. Elias national parks. The beauty of these national parks will warm your heart. Convener: Linda Fulton is a retired middle-school teacher with a lifelong interest in the natural wonders and beauty of our world. She has led many LLI classes on our national parks and monuments.