Full course description
Course summary:
This course provides the definition of wilderness character, including its qualities and what degrades them, the basics of why we preserve wilderness character, and how to integrate wilderness character into planning, monitoring, management, operations, and more.
Preserving wilderness character is mandated by the Wilderness Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-577) and agency policy. Wilderness character is our way of putting language to these unique and important places by describing what is meaningful and beneficial about them.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Define wilderness character.
- Explain why wilderness character needs to be preserved.
- Discuss the qualities of wilderness character and what enhances or degrades them.
- Describe how to integrate wilderness character into planning, monitoring, management, and operations.
Recommended background
It is strongly recommended that you complete the free The Wilderness Act of 1964 e-course before beginning this course. Without foundational knowledge of the Wilderness Act, you will not be able to get the most out of this course and could find the content confusing.
Course topics include:
- What Is Wilderness Character?
- Qualities of Wilderness Character
- Managing for Wilderness Character
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Informal knowledge checks
- Final assessment
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Course creators:
This course was designed and developed jointly by the Arthur Carhart Wilderness Training Center and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.