Our Chile program offers a unique firsthand investigation of southern Chile’s diverse wildland ecosystems and the wildlife species they support. We will gain personal familiarity with the ecological diversity of Patagonia, from the rainforests of the Pacific coast, to the ice-capped Andes, to the steppes in the rain shadow of the cordillera. We will examine the fascinating natural history and biogeography of this region, where some species remain little-changed since the breakup of Gondwana 200 million years ago. Together we will explore national parks, privately owned protected areas, and unprotected places to study the ecology, conservation, and management of ecosystems and threatened wildlife populations.

The vast landscape of fjords, glaciers and mountains of southern Chile was one of the last places in the world to be explored and remains one of the most pristine on earth. Thus, Chile is the perfect setting to immerse ourselves in relatively intact wilderness while learning about the challenges of conservation in a developing nation with often dichotomous development and preservation goals. Through extensive backcountry wildlife and wildlands field studies, we will examine the intertwined economic, ecological, cultural, and management dimensions of environmental problems and conservation strategies in Patagonia today.
 

Background Information

Together we will travel to national and private parks throughout southern Chile to learn about the natural history, ecology, conservation, and management of wild lands and wildlife. This program seeks to provide team members with a firsthand introduction to several of Chile’s diverse ecosystems (interior volcanoes, mountainous coastal temperate rainforests, islands, fjords, rivers and lakes and marine systems) and the diversity of bird, mammal, fish and plant species they harbor. Our group will learn about ecological research and conservation from local scientists and conservationists, through readings, discussions and by conducting field research projects of our own. Our ecological studies and plant surveys will coincide with cultural interactions where we will see firsthand how various land use practices and policies have shaped the landscape. Our stays in rural communities in Chile will enable us to experience traditional lifestyles that are quickly fading in the face of globalization, and provide insight as to how community-based conservation strategies might be applied.

Program Goals and Activities

The program will begin in Puerto Varas, Chile, near Puerto Montt, in the scenic Lake District in south central Chile. After making sure we are all well equipped, we will travel by bus to the Grand Isle of Chiloé where orientation and the first segment of the program will take place. We will spend the first few days at the Senda Darwin Biological Station, a site of ongoing important research in the region. We will both begin and end the course at the Senda Darwin, spending our initial introduction to Chile learning about key organisms and understanding how they might be studied, and our the last few days of the program learning about a long-term on-going research project. Upon arrival in Chile, expect a full immersion into learning about the flora and fauna, their ecological roles, how to identify various species, and how they might be used for both commercial purposes as well as traditional and medicinal practices. We will also begin with a course in basic Spanish language (for those who need it), and an orientation to the culture, history, ecology and biogeography of Chile. We will then embark on a multi-day backcountry field study of the coasts and rainforests in Chiloé National Park. In the national park, we will examine the impacts of deforestation and fragmentation to Chiloé’s rainforests, as well as study the role of indigenous peoples in conservation, management and tourism in this region.

For our next field experience we will travel by ferry back to the mainland for an extended stay in Parque Pumalín, where we will embark on field studies of fjords, coastal mountains, verdant rainforests, volcanoes and glaciers—namely, all of the things Chilean Patagonia represents. In Pumalín, we will investigate pressing issues surrounding this large, privately owned nature reserve. We will initially spend time in the southern part of the park near the community of Chaitén with the opportunity to study firsthand the ecological and social changes following volcanic eruption and see how both natural and human communities rebuild. In Pumalín we will build upon our knowledge of the diversity of species present in Chile’s temperate Valdivian and northern Patagonian rainforests. We will not only learn about the ecology of this wild and remote area, we will also participate in unique conservation programs that may include forest restoration, sustainable community and farming projects. Our exploration of the Pumalín area will end in the small community of Hornopirén after which we will return to Puerto Varas to resupply.

Next we will explore and hike into an unprotected yet pristine river valley in the Puerto Montt area to conduct our field studies. This river valley, similar to some of the rivers further south in Chile, is threatened by the country’s ever increasing need for electricity and the energy potential present in the pristine, flowing water. The area also contains remnant, ancient alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) forests. We will learn about the natural history of this area, the conservation challenges faced in the valley as development pressures increase, and the campaign started by the local community to preserve it. After another quick resupply in Puerto Varas, we will return finally to the Senda Darwin on Chiloé, where we will hear final project presentations, take the final exam, learn about the area’s long-term ecological research project, review and assess various conservation initiatives/techniques seen throughout the course, and celebrate successful completion of our program. Much of our time will be spent in Chile’s spectacular backcountry. Typically, we will backpack to remote base camps from which we will conduct our field studies. Please note that prior field research experience is not required. All necessary skills of data acquisition will be taught on-site in Patagonia. Our field studies will take place in the winter—Chile’s summer—and will take advantage of the excellent weather at this time of year in the warmer latitudes.

Academic Credit

Students will receive 15 quarter credits/10 semester credits from Western Washington University. Our staff will be happy to explain the program in further detail to the applicant’s advisor, if necessary. This field studies program gives credit in three courses: 

Environmental Wildlands Studies (5 quarter credits/3.35 semester credits)
Environmental Field Survey (5 quarter credits/3.35 semester credits)
Wildlands Environment and Culture (5 quarter credits/3.35 semester credits)

Letter grades are based upon: 1) active participation in our learning process and activities; 2) examinations; and 3) implementation and presentation of two independent research projects.

Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner. Wildlands Studies reserves the right to require any student to withdraw from the program if their conduct is detrimental to or incompatible with the interests, safety, or welfare of any course participants. We ask all students to read the Student Program Manual before joining the program on-site.

Team Logistics

Participants will fly into and depart from Puerto Montt, Chile. Participants can decide whether to fly home on the scheduled date or remain in Chile to travel on your own.

All reasonable efforts will be made to follow the activities outlined above. However, please understand that on our Chile Patagonia program, travel arrangements can remain tentative until the traveling actually takes place. Weather conditions, road closures, volcanic activity, as well as political and bureaucratic considerations may affect our plans. Wildlands Studies has put together an innovative, unique program in Patagonia; and team members need to be flexible, patient, and prepared to adapt to unexpected situations.

Accommodations

Primarily camping, backpacking, occasional youth hostel or rural lodge.

FOOD

Food is handled differently on each of our programs. Participants on this program will be responsible for purchasing and cooking approximately one-third of their meals.  The remaining meals will be provided by Wildlands Studies as group meals. Participants will also be responsible for purchasing snacks. Detailed information about food management will be provided in the Logistics Packet. If you have dietary questions or concerns, please call our office.

Official Documents/Visa

You will need a current passport that does not expire until six months after the end of the program. U.S. citizens are no longer required to pay the Entry Reciprocity Fee upon arrival at the Santiago Airport. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to verify if you are or are not required to pay this Reciprocity Fee prior to entering Chile.

Language

This program is taught in English, although many of the research stations and locations we visit will speak Spanish. The ability to speak Spanish is not a course prerequisite. The Instructor and other staff will translate as needed. Of course, it is always helpful to speak Spanish, and if you have the chance, please practice or brush up on your Spanish-speaking skills before the program initiates.

Pre-Program Logistics Packet

Detailed information regarding travel/flight and visa information, equipment/gear requirements, food costs, meeting plans, group expenses payment, medical and vaccination recommendations and academic preparations will be sent to all team members in a logistics letter emailed about ten to twelve weeks before the program initiates.