Gates of the Arctic Caribou Trek
A Thayer Worldwide Classroom Expedition

PURPOSE
To document and study the centuries old tradition of the migration of the largest barren-ground caribou herd in the world, the Western Arctic caribou herd of almost 500,000 animals. The herd is driven by a primative force not completely understood by man to travel hundreds of miles each year. We will study the migration habits of the caribou as individuals and as a herd. We will observe the interaction with wolves which are the principal predators of the herd, as will as the interaction of grizzly bears with the herd. In addition to wolves and grizzlies the herd passes through populations of wolverines, lynx, moose and other wildlife.

STAGES
We will walk with the caribou through a pristine, remote, roadless world, in both its spring and fall coats. We will witness one of the greatest spectacles in nature—animal movement of such magnitude that it ranks high on the list of the world's greatest natural events.

STAGE ONE...WINTERING GROUNDS January 1998 Unalakleet River Basin, Selawik National Wildlife Refuge. Here the caribou feed in the forested rolling hills in preparation for the journey northward.

STAGE TWO...OVER THE BROOKS WITH THE HERD March-April 1998 From a base camp at Gates of the Arctic National Park, traveling through Kobuk Valley National Park and The Noatak National Preserve we will cross the Brooks Range to the North Slope.

PAGES FROM OUR NOTEBOOK—
The 600 Mile Spring Migration ...A look back at what's been done so far.

STAGE THREE...TUNDRA TO KOBUK August-September 1999 In the fall we will return to the North Slope calving grounds and trek back with the herd—pushing south through the Brooks Range with new calves at their side. When we reach the wintering grounds south of the Kobuk river, the entire migration will have been recorded.

METHOD
Only two people, Helen and Bill Thayer, will trek on foot with the herd. The team is small to ensure a low impact study. All necessities of life must be carried on a small sled or packs. Look at the EQUIMPENT the Thayers take. Look at the PREPARATIONS the Thayers make.
DISTANCE
Approximately 600 miles depending on river crossing conditions.

TIME SPAN
A total of four or five months...Spring, March and April 1998 Fall, August and September 1999.