We thought, given the French culture of the region, that it would be a good complement to the natural history elements of the course we will be exploring. The annual UMFK summer expedition has become a very popular course offering for both university students and community members. Trips in recent years have taken participants to Anticosti Island and Parc de la Gaspesie, Quebec. Through the intensive on-site study and exploration we are able to introduce our students to new environments that they would otherwise only read about or see a video of. This trip will expose them to different types of flora and fauna.
Current plans are to conduct several excursions to study marine, sub-arctic and boreal ecosystems.
Additional tours and visits on the islands are planned to incorporate the interesting history and culture of the region. St. Pierre et Miquelon consists of seven islands, the three larger of which are St. Pierre, Miquelon, and Langlade. The French territory has a population of 7,000 inhabitants. In addition to their unique geopolitical situation, St. Pierre et Miquelon have an equally interesting history. The island has connections to the St. John Valley, as many Acadians sought temporary refuge there after the 1755 deportation.