Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
Expedition Briefing
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Please read the following information carefully before leaving for your expedition.
The Research
At the Arctic鈥檚 edge, we can measure the evidence of climate change: shrinking areas of polar sea ice, retreating glaciers, and less extensive winter snowpack that also melts earlier (ACIA, 2004; IPCC, 2023; SWIPA, 2017). Biological evidence of warming is also mounting. For example, more trees have begun to grow at the northern treeline, and different plant communities are appearing. Northern ecosystems are changing (Bonan et al., 1992; Chapin III et al., 2005; Harsch et al., 2009). Over the next few decades, scientists expect to observe the greatest effects of global warming at high latitudes. In many areas, global warming estimates exceed a 4掳C (7.2掳F) increase in average air temperature by 2100 relative to the 1986鈥2005 mean (IPCC 2023). They are predicted to increase by as much as 10掳C (18.0掳F) in the Arctic (IPCC, 2014). Churchill, on Canada鈥檚 Hudson Bay, has warmed approximately 2掳C (3.6掳F) since record-keeping began in the 1880s, though about 75% of that warming occurred since 1980.
On a global scale, the position of the circumboreal treeline is determined by temperature. However, local treeline positions are modified by frost damage, winter desiccation, and a host of other factors. Assessing the effects of site-specific variables, which could confound the influence of increasing temperatures, is necessary.
Permafrost鈥攇round that remains frozen for more than a year鈥攈olds crucial clues to what global warming might entail. It underlies 24% of the earth's surface, including vast areas of Russia, Canada, China, and Alaska. An estimated 50% of the world鈥檚 terrestrial carbon is locked up in permafrost (Tarnocai et al., 2009).
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
Research Aims
Operating out of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC), our main research goal has been to establish an environmental monitoring program to collect baseline quantitative data on climate-related changes in northern ecosystems. Along with the long-term monitoring of environmental conditions, we also conduct experiments to examine the processes occurring more closely in these subarctic conditions. You help obtain large numbers of samples over a short period and are vital to the success of the monitoring and experimental programs. People depend on the health and integrity of the natural world for food, income, and other resources, so collecting such data is vitally important. Locally, many of the residents of Churchill, our nearest neighbors, depend on ecotourism for their livelihood, and our research can inform better policies for preserving the ecosystem that supports them in addition to its global resonance.
This project focuses on three of the global warming-related changes scientists have observed: thawing permafrost, shift of the treeline to the north, and declining snow depth. We have established 11 long-term environmental monitoring sites along a line extending from the boreal forest into the arctic tundra to measure a set of key ecosystem components. These include components of the environment like snow conditions, ground temperature, depth of thawing, and soil carbon, as well as the biological components of the ecosystem, like trees and shrubs, frogs, and fish. At our monitoring sites, automated microclimate stations鈥攚hich monitor the state of permafrost and active layer鈥攐perate year-round. Through repeated probing and coring, we also monitor permafrost and the active layer as part of our fieldwork. We sample and analyze the snowpack in mid-winter. In the lab, we analyze needle desiccation to determine the amount of damage to the cuticles on the needles during the harsh subarctic winter.
Monitoring the treeline by recording the presence of seedlings, saplings, and trees is another big component of this project. We focus on the treeline because minor environmental changes can have big ecological impacts on it. For example, warmer growing seasons can lead to more viable tree seeds and higher germination success, which means more trees grow further into the tundra鈥攖hus changing where the treeline lies. Within the forest-tundra zone, buds and leaves are exposed to colder temperatures and higher amounts of wind-blown snow abrasion. Wind-blown snow can thin or remove the waxy cuticle covering needles, resulting in excessive water loss and needle mortality, reducing the plant鈥檚 photosynthetic capability during the following growing season.
Furthermore, insufficient cuticle maturation in the summer can lead to excessive winter moisture loss. Depending on the intensity, duration, and variability, cold and windy conditions impair vital functions and can set the distributional limits of plant species. However, conflicting results from other studies warrant further research.
The research also focuses on isolated wetlands鈥攂odies of water with highly variable biological and hydrological characteristics that comprise about 40% of the surface area in the Hudson Bay Lowlands (HBL) landscape. Because of the temporary character of some of these wetlands, the aquatic organisms differ from those of larger and deeper permanent bodies of water. One important difference is that they usually lack predators such as larger fish and invertebrates, a significant predatory component in aquatic systems. As a result, many organisms have developed specific life histories to take advantage of the characteristics of the wetland, and as the climate changes, so too does the character, chemistry, and species habitat within these wetlands.
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
How You Will Help
You鈥檒l get the chance to help with both field and lab research. The time you spend at each will vary with the season and weather; however, you should expect to spend about 50% of your time at the research sites and the remainder in the lab. Depending on the season, you may help set up and monitor equipment and collect data on features of the snowpack, permafrost, and soil; the occurrence of vascular plants, lichens, and mosses; wetland water quality; amphibian tadpole metamorphosis; fish behavior; and annual growth rings of trees. The help of 美姬社区 participants has been integral to building a long-term monitoring record over the past 25 years. These data have allowed for examining the impacts of climate change on key environmental variables at the Arctic treeline.
SNOWPACK STUDIES (February)
Assignments for the winter team will include snowpack descriptions, snow sampling, and lab processing of samples. Outdoor activities depend on light and weather conditions; winter can be extremely physically demanding. Project staff can help organize gear rental for participants, including parkas, pants, mitts, and boots, but participants will be required to bring their own liner gloves and headgear. Trips in the qamutiks (sleds pulled behind snowmobiles) can be rough, cold, and uncomfortable, but the winter landscape will leave you breathless.
WETLAND STUDIES (June & September)
Summer teams (June) will focus on the diverse wetland environments that make up 40% of the land cover in this region. Fall teams (September) will also contribute a portion of their time to this work as needed. Continued long-term monitoring has highlighted the importance of hydroperiod in the wetlands to species compositions during the summer months. The inclusion of experimental approaches to the wetland component of the research program has allowed for the examination of processes that will assist in explaining the natural variation occurring in the landscape. You鈥檒l don waist-high waders to collect species and water quality data from natural shallow tundra ponds and wetlands. You may also participate in mesocosm experiments in outdoor stock tanks. The project will provide neoprene waders and gloves for fieldwork.
TREELINE STUDIES (September)
For this research, you will focus on the physical and biological characteristics of the environment. You鈥檒l study 1) the growth, sexual reproduction, and survivorship of treeline trees and 2) the winter injury of evergreen needles. In addition to ongoing monitoring of natural seedling establishment and survival in the field, seeding experiments will be conducted as part of the Global Treeline Range Expansion Experiment (G-TREE). G-TREE is a globally distributed collaborative project aimed at testing the generality of mechanisms driving boundaries of tree distribution at the treeline (). Soil sampling, permafrost coring, thaw depth measurements, and vegetation sampling could be on the task list of a given team. Equipment for air and ground temperature measurements will be maintained, and cover values for shrubs and trees will be estimated. You will use probes to measure thaw depth and record standard soil characteristics, including organic matter, moisture content, and pH. The team may also assist in sampling the total above-ground biomass from plots within each site.
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
Life in the Field
This expedition will provide plenty of learning opportunities. You may hear talks on local permafrost landforms, the ecology of polar bears and whales, species migration, wetland diversity, the project's significance to the community, and climate change monitoring in general.
Depending on your team鈥檚 particular tasks, you鈥檒l also hear practical talks on snow pit measurements, plant species identification, wetland structure, sampling techniques, and monitoring and census techniques. You will also learn about the concepts behind the sampling methodology and the use of various equipment.
While you鈥檒l spend most of your time on research tasks, you鈥檒l always have the chance to ask questions, enjoy the scenery, and take in the majesty of the northern treeline. In this pristine environment, there are endless opportunities to view wildlife and plants that are rarely seen. CNSC was established in 1976 to facilitate research, and you will have the opportunity to interact with many other scientists conducting research in the area. It is not uncommon for participants to sit at a cafeteria table with scientists and talk directly with them about their studies. These researchers will also likely give informal lectures during which in-depth discussions can continue for hours. You will be amidst an intellectual environment unique to a center like CNSC.
This research is conducted on ancestral lands of Treaty 5 territory, the traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, and Inuit Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River M茅tis. As members of these groups are available, there will be opportunities to learn about the indigenous cultures of the region through workshops and presentations.
ITINERARY
Weather conditions and research requirements may result in alterations to the daily schedule. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding..
- Day 1: Introduction and orientation, starting gradually to enable participants to recover from travel. A meeting will outline the team's objectives, methods, and safety guidelines and provide a preliminary schedule. After this, the team will generally take a brief walk to become familiar with the site and test outdoor gear.
- Day 2: Equipment and training demonstrations. If this is completed in the morning, the team will practice field methods in the afternoon.
- Days 3鈥10: Each day will begin with a briefing to outline the day鈥檚 activities. At least half of each day will be spent at the research sites collecting data, while the remainder will be used for sample processing and data entry. Depending on the tasks, we might make an evening trip to catch the sunset or take other excursions. There will typically be an evening briefing to review the day鈥檚 activities, followed by a lecture, lab, or data entry work. On the last evening, we鈥檒l have a wrap-up seminar with an overview of the data, comments, recommendations, and discussion about the significance of your contributions to the overall research picture.
- Day 11: Travel Day
RECREATIONAL TIME
Usually, on the fifth or sixth day of the expedition, the team will have a recreational day (the exact day will depend on weather and research activities). June and September teams will have the opportunity to visit the town of Churchill, where you may participate in a number of organized activities. These are dependent on availability, weather, and ice conditions but may include whale watching (ONLY available in June; approx. $120鈥190 CAD, depending on the boat and number of people); a tour of Fort Prince of Wales, a national historic site (approx. $115 CAD, including the boat trip across the Churchill River); browsing through the Eskimo Museum ($10 CAD donation); a regional natural history tour (approx. $150 CAD); or simply souvenir shopping. The winter team (February) may also have the opportunity to visit the town of Churchill and participate in an authentic dog sledding adventure tour (approx. $180 CAD). All activities are seasonal and weather-dependent, and staff at the CNSC will help coordinate these activities with the local operators. It is not necessary to carry a large amount of cash in Canadian dollars, as most operators accept payment by credit card or such payment can be arranged through CNSC.
MONEY MATTERS
LOCAL CURRENCY: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
PERSONAL FUNDS: Optional recreational excursions may be offered during the expedition, which the participant must cover. See details above under 鈥楻ecreational Time.鈥
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
Essential Eligibility Requirements
All participants must be able to:
- Wear all protective equipment recommended or required by industry standards, which is especially important for the winter team. If you bring gear that the staff feels is inappropriate, you may have to rent gear at your own expense. Please read the section for the winter team in the Packing List.
- Enjoy being outdoors all day in all types of weather, in the potential presence of wild animals and insects.
- Tolerate temperatures as high as 32掳C (90掳F) and as low as -50掳C (-58掳F) in winter.
- Carry personal daily supplies, such as lunch, water, and some small field equipment, of up to nine kilograms (20 pounds).
- Repeatedly get low enough to undertake ground-level activities such as soil sampling, permafrost coring, frost probing, vegetation sampling, and fish and amphibian trapping, up to 8 hours daily.
- Traverse varying terrain from level hard surfaces to undulating, hummocky ground. Total time hiking is up to four hours per day.
- Promptly alert project staff about any injuries or discomfort (bruising, difficulty breathing, etc.) as soon as it occurs.
- Winter Team Only: During transit, travel in a seated, upright position within a qamutik sled, which can sometimes be bumpy. This can be uncomfortable for individuals with back problems.
- Winter Team Only: Maintain a high enough calorie intake to keep up with the increased energy demands of working in frigid temperatures and deep snow.
- Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion.
- Take an active role in one鈥檚 safety by recognizing and avoiding hazards if and when they arise (including, but not limited to, those described in 美姬社区 materials and safety briefings). Always comply with project staff instructions and recommended safety measures.
- Be able to effectively communicate with the staff if they are experiencing distress or need assistance.
- Be able to get along with a variety of people from different backgrounds, often in close proximity, for the duration of the team.
- Be comfortable being surrounded by a language and/or culture that is not your own.
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
Accommodations and Food
* Please note that not every expedition has couples鈥 or singles鈥 accommodations available. Please call or email 美姬社区 to check availability before reserving your space(s) on the team.
The Churchill region is polar bear country, and significant safety issues exist whenever we are outdoors. The CNSC is 23 kilometers (14 miles) east of the town of Churchill. Consequently, participants must be accompanied by a CNSC staff member or the scientist, who will carry bear deterrents before being allowed to go out of doors during free time.
CNSC is a non-smoking facility, and the premises are 鈥榝ragrance-free鈥欌攎eaning perfumes and colognes should not be used during your stay. A small gym facility is available onsite for participant use.
SLEEPING
You鈥檒l stay in dormitory rooms with up to four same-gender participants in bunk beds. Due to the dormitory-style setup and limited room availability with multiple user groups at CNSC, single/couple rooms cannot be guaranteed.
* 美姬社区 will respectfully and without judgment honor each person鈥檚 assertion of gender identity. For both teen and adult teams, where logistics dictate single-sex accommodations or other facilities, participant placements will be made in accordance with the gender identity the participant specified on their 美姬社区 Participant form and/or preferences indicated in discussions with 美姬社区.
IGLOOS
Winter Team Only: The optional activity of building igloos may be offered. This requires cutting, lifting, and placing 20- to 30- kilogram (45- to 65-pound) blocks of snow that should not be dropped, and at 70 x 50 x 15 centimeters (28 x 20 x 6 inches), each block can be awkward to maneuver. This task requires a lot of energy. Fortunately, there are usually enough people participating to share the heavier tasks.
BATHROOMS
The CNSC water is trucked to the facility, so we practice water-saving measures, including composting toilets and encouraging all visitors to take short showers. There is running water throughout the facility, which includes flush toilets and individual shower rooms. Laundry is available free of charge (a small quantity of detergent should be carried from home for those wishing to wash clothes or can be purchased on-site).
ELECTRICITY
The CNSC has reliable electricity (outlet types A or B, 120 volts, 60 hertz). You should bring along any necessary converters and adapters.
PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
There is a cell phone booster in the CNSC's atrium for calls, but it is best not to rely on cell coverage throughout the building or at field sites. Wireless internet is available throughout the CNSC at no additional charge, and Wi-Fi calling is possible with some cell phones. There will be a computer available for participants to use in their free time, but it is recommended that participants bring a laptop or tablet for personal use if possible.
Please note: 美姬社区 encourages volunteers to minimize outgoing calls and immerse themselves in the experience; likewise, family and friends should restrict calls to urgent messages only. Emergency communications will be prioritized.
DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE
All research sites are within 40 minutes of the CNSC. Transport is by van or SUV, except in winter, when participants are transported in qamutiks (sleds pulled behind snowmobiles).
FOOD AND WATER
Accredited cooks prepare all the meals in the kitchen. Food is served cafeteria style, and all CNSC users share the dining area. Some days, breakfast may be served continental-style, with cold cereals and a hot plate for participants to prepare porridge or omelets to their liking. Participants assist with after-meal cleanup. Meals are varied and usually include a choice of salads, desserts, and a vegetarian dish. We also have fresh bread and evening snacks.
Typical Meals
The following are examples of foods you may find in the field. Variety depends on availability. We appreciate your flexibility.
- Breakfast: Eggs, bacon, toast, porridge, pancakes, French toast, sausages, fresh/dried fruit, yogurt, muffins, cold cereals, toast
- Lunch: Soup, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, French fries, fruit
- Dinner: Meatloaf, spaghetti, roast beef, turkey, lasagna, fish, potatoes, pork chops, pizza, chicken, salads, cake, pie, fresh fruit, cooked vegetables, stew
- Snacks: Leftovers, fruit, cookies, cereal, popcorn
- Beverages: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water
- Water: All water is drinkable. Cold, fresh water is always available for free in the cafeteria.
Special Dietary Requirements
Please alert 美姬社区 to any special dietary requirements (e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other food allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible and note them in the space on your participant forms.
Special diets are not guaranteed to be accommodated. However, vegetarians, lactose intolerance, and other allergies can generally be accommodated with prior notification. Vegan and gluten-free diets can be difficult to accommodate on this project, and variety may be particularly limited. Those with such restrictions should be prepared to bring meal supplements. Limited supplies may be purchased from a local grocery store in Churchill en route to CNSC.
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
Travel Planning
MEETING SPOT
Churchill Airport or train station, Manitoba, Canada
Note: Please plan for one or more extra travel days on either end of the expedition.
Flights to Churchill originate from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Plane service is offered only through Calm Air. Due to international flight schedules, most participants must arrive in Winnipeg a day early and spend the night in a local hotel before catching their Calm Air flight to Churchill the next day. Similarly, an overnight in Winnipeg on the return trip is advised to ensure you can make your onward connection should you be delayed. Train travel to Churchill is also possible from several Canadian destinations and is offered through VIA Rail.
Flight & train schedules can be variable. Participants may also need to overnight in Churchill before and/or after the expedition begins. The participant must arrange and pay for any accommodations outside the expedition dates.
Your 美姬社区 Expedition Logistics Document will provide specific travel planning details. Once you enroll, you can find this document in your My美姬社区 Portal. Please do not book travel arrangements鈥攕uch as flights鈥攗ntil the Expedition Logistics Document matching the current year has been published to your portal account.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
美姬社区 strongly recommends that travelers investigate their destination before departure. Familiarity with the destination鈥檚 entry/exit requirements, visas, local laws, and customs can ensure smooth travel. and are helpful resources. For LGBTI travelers, the contains many helpful tips and links.
COUNTRY AND PROJECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You are responsible for reviewing and abiding by your destination's entry/exit requirements.
Entry visa requirements differ by country of origin, layover, and destination and do change unexpectedly. For this reason, please confirm your visa requirements at the time of booking and again 90 days before travel. Please apply early for your visa (we recommend starting six months before the start of your expedition). Refunds will not be made for volunteers who cancel due to not obtaining their visa in time to meet the team at the rendezvous. You can find up-to-date visa requirements at the following website:
If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency to expedite and simplify the process.
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
Project Conditions
The following information is as accurate as possible, but please remember that conditions may change.
Most of the sites are gravel, peat over sand, or peat over permafrost. In general, the area ranges from flat to hummocky. The wetlands have standing surface water for the most part, and some have mucky bottom sediments. On average, temperatures at Churchill over the summer range from -5 to 28掳C (23掳F to 82掳F). There is very little humidity, except during periods of fog when the wind comes off the Bay, and rainfall during the summer is usually around 2.5 inches (6 cm) per month. Spring begins in June with the end of snowfall and melt, while late August is the beginning of autumn and brings cooler temperatures. The average temperature, however, is often misleading since it can feel like autumn in the morning and the height of summer in the afternoon following a shift in the wind.
The winter is long and dominated by extremely cold arctic air masses, often with strong winds. In mid-winter, temperature becomes irrelevant (usually just -40掳C/-40掳F), and wind chill values are used. In February, the wind chill often exceeds -45掳C (-50掳F), and exposed skin will freeze in seconds. The upside is that there are no insect pests at this time of year, and the long nights provide an amazing opportunity to view the northern lights.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Please visit and search your project location for weather and region-specific information.
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
Health and Safety
EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD
Field staff members carry handheld radios to communicate with CNSC, from where someone would call the hospital for guidance in an emergency. A vehicle is always available in the field, and several first-aid kits are maintained at CNSC. Anyone with a medical emergency will be evacuated directly to the hospital in Churchill. If the situation is severe, a helicopter can transport the injured person. In the event of a dangerous encounter with a polar bear, the animal will be deterred using standard procedures, and the team will leave the area and report the incident to CNSC.
Project staff members are not medical professionals.
美姬社区 has a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency hotline number. Someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service.
All projects have detailed Emergency Response Plans; this will be shared with participants at the start of each team.
IMMUNIZATIONS & TRAVEL VACCINATIONS
Please be sure your routine immunizations are up to date and that you have the appropriate vaccinations for your travel destination. Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and their doctor. For guidance on immunizations, visit the or the.
If traveling from countries or regions where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination.
Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving booster doses, as applicable, is strongly encouraged. For more details, please visit. For more information, please visit earthwatch.org/covid-19.
PROJECT RISKS AND CONDITIONS
Transportation
The road is gravel, and its condition varies depending on the weather. In winter (Team 1), whiteouts and icy roads make driving conditions more difficult. The winter team will be transported into the field on qamutiks (sleds pulled behind snowmobiles). There are no safety belts on these sleds. The snow is quite hard, and the qamutiks offer no cushioning. You may wish to bring your own padding for travel while in the qamutiks (see the section for winter team in the Packing List). All drivers hold licenses required by the Canadian government, and vehicles meet provincial safety standards by adding shortwave radios to talk to the base.
Hiking
Hiking along the trails to the research sites varies from unstable ground with tall shrubs to open, hard ground. Trail sections can also be very wet with deep holes (at times, the depth exceeds the height of participants鈥 rubber boots). Teams working in wetlands will wade in standing water up to 75 cm in depth using neoprene waders. Waders and rubber boots are provided on-site.
Terrain
All participants will be hiking in the field, and there is a risk of strains, sprains, and breaks due to falls. The trails are well marked, and the participants will travel as a group, but the footing can be slippery, especially with frost, light snow, or rain. You must have rubber boots due to sections of wetlands at several sites and tall shrubs that can restrict movement at some sites. For winter you will need warm boots.
Animals
The Churchill region has a large concentration of polar bears. Consequently, the teams must be near a vehicle equipped with a radio and armed with suitable deterrents at all times. Project staff will have several polar bear deterrents, ranging from noisemakers to firearms. CNSC has thorough safety standards in place for the use and management of firearms. For safety considerations, avoiding being in the presence of firearms will not be possible. Participants will not handle or use the firearms. The 美姬社区 scientist and other field staff (NOT participants) will carry deterrents.
Insects
Mosquito and blackfly populations are very dense in July and August. They are present in June and September as well, but less intense. There is some risk of West Nile Virus in the Churchill region, although cases are much more prevalent in southern Manitoba. Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites, and wear long-sleeved shirts, bug jackets, or head nets while in the field. Black flies bite and inject an anticoagulant, which is generally very irritating. Bring an antihistamine if you suspect you might have an allergic reaction to their bites.
Climate/Weather
During winter and fall, there are risks of hypothermia, frostnip, frostbite, extreme chapping and cracking of lips and hands, other cold-related injuries, and cold-caused damage to personal gear. The risk of cold-related injury increases in those with heart and lung disease and other conditions that reduce or impair circulation to the skin and extremities. Certain medications can exacerbate the risks of cold-related injury.
The sun can be quite intense in all seasons. Even on an overcast day, you are at risk of sunburn; bring plenty of good-quality lip, sun, and wind block. Also, the environment is dry year-round, so drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Distance from Medical Care
The nearest hospital is 23 kilometers (15 miles) from the project site, and it may take up to an hour to arrange transport and reach the hospital. If you have a chronic condition that could require immediate medical care (e.g., heart conditions, kidney problems, severe asthma, etc.), or if you are pregnant, please discuss your participation on this expedition with your physician.
Disease
Traveler鈥檚 diarrhea affects many international travelers. Please see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention () or the World Health Organization () websites for more information on this condition and how to avoid it.
A note on vaccinations and treatment:
West Nile Virus: West Nile is a mosquito-transmitted virus. Several cases of West Nile virus are reported each year from southern Manitoba. There is a low risk of contracting West Nile virus in northern Manitoba, where the Churchill teams take place鈥攖hough participants are always advised to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites when working outdoors.
Risk of COVID-19 or Other Respiratory Illness
美姬社区 strongly encourages you to take precautions to help protect yourself and others from common viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV: stay up to date with your vaccinations; wash your hands frequently; take steps to improve air quality, for example, by increasing ventilation indoors or gathering outdoors; and use preventative measures to limit the spread if you are sick.
Persons with a higher risk of severe respiratory illness should consult their healthcare provider before participating.
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
Resources
ARTICLES
- Huntington, H., G. Weller, E. Bush, T.V. Callaghan, V. Kattsov, and M. Nuttall. 鈥淐hapter 1: An Introduction to the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment.鈥 In Arris, L. (ed.)
- Arctic Climate Impact Assessment: Scientific Report, 2-19. Fairbanks: ACIA Secretariat and Cooperative Institute for Arctic Research. Available at: http://www.acia.uaf.edu/pages/scientific.html
- Overpeck, J.T., K. Hughen, D. Hardy, R. Bradley, R. Case, M. Douglas, B. Finney, K. Gajeswski, G. Jacoby, Jennings, S. Lamoureux, A. Lasca, G. MacDonald, J. Moore, M. Retelle, S. Smith, A. Wolfe, and G. Zielinski. 鈥淎rctic environmental change of the last four centuries.鈥 Science 278 (1997): 1251-1256.
BOOKS
- Alley, R. The Two-Mile Time Machine: Ice Cores, Abrupt Climate Change, and Our Future. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2002.
- McGhee, R. Ancient people of the Arctic. Vancouver: UBC Press, 1996.
- Stirling, I. Polar Bears: The Natural History of a Threatened Species. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2011.
- Brandson, L.E. Churchill, Hudson Bay: A Guide to Natural and Cultural History. Churchill: The Eskimo Museum, 2011.
- Bennett, J. A Global Warming Primer. Boulder: Big Kid Science, 2016.
- McGoogan, K. Ancient Mariner. Toronto: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd., 2003.
FIELD GUIDES
- Jehl, J.R. Birdlife of the Churchill Region: Status, History, Biology. Victoria, B.C.: Trafford Publishing, 2004.
- Johnson, K.L. Wildflowers of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Region. Winnipeg: Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature, 1987.
PROJECT-RELATED WEBSITES
Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
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