7  Pre-Class Meeting Minutes - 16JUN2025

Date: June 16, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM Alaska Time
Meeting Type: Pre-class introduction and logistics
Instructors: Alexander Kholodov (Sasha) & Nic Jelinski

7.1 Attendees

7.1.1 Instructors

  • Alexander Kholodov (Sasha) - Research Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Permafrost expertise, Co-instructor since 2018
  • Nic Jelinski - University of Minnesota, Pedologist, Permafrost-Affected Soils, Co-instructor

7.2 Key Logistics and Requirements

7.2.1 Immediate Action Items for Students

  1. Complete pre-class survey

  2. Make Toolik Field Station reservations for 2 nights:

    • July 21-22 (1st night)
    • July 23-24 (2nd night)
    • Students need to make two separate Toolik reservations for the nights of July 21-22 and 23-24. There is a ‘guide’ for making reservations for a group on the website under our getting started link, then under the new to Toolik tab. Please, use the project “Arctic Soil Geography NRM 489/689” under Sasha’s name (Alexander Kholodov) as a PI and UA fund/org 103010/65083 for payment.
    • Cost covered by class

7.2.2 Course Materials and Communication

  • Class syllabus updated with detailed schedule
  • Google Drive link will be functional within the week
  • Discord channel established for ongoing Q&A and coordination
  • Hard copy materials (field books) will be provided along with digital versions

7.3 Equipment and Packing Guidelines

7.3.1 Essential Gear

  • Tent with full rain fly (rental available at UAF Student Center)
  • Sleeping mat and sleeping bag (rental available)
  • Rubber boots (14-18 inches tall, not ankle height)
  • Quality rain gear (waterproof with taped seams, not semi-waterproof)
  • Emergency poncho (backup rain protection)
  • Head net or bug shirt (essential for mosquito protection)
  • Hat (baseball cap or full brim to hold net away from face)

7.3.2 Weather Considerations

  • Variable conditions: Could range from snow to 80°F
  • Mosquitoes: Expect very dense populations - primary student complaint from previous years
  • 24-hour sunlight: Headlamp/flashlight low priority

7.3.3 Optional Equipment

  • Folding camping cots: Coordinate through Discord for space management
  • Personal jet boil/portable stove: Backup option (group stoves provided)
  • Fishing gear: Tourist license required, opportunities at Marion Creek area and Tulip Station

7.4 Food and Cooking Arrangements

7.4.1 Meal Structure

  • Breakfast: Instant oatmeal, yogurt, snacks, fruit
  • Lunch: Packed sandwiches, snacks, fruits
  • Dinner: Provided except for in Fairbanks

7.4.2 Dietary Accommodations

  • Vegetarian and gluten-free options available
  • All dietary restrictions and preferences accommodated
  • Information collected through pre-class survey

7.4.3 Cooking Equipment

  • Provided: Large propane stove (2-burner), portable grill, all kitchen utensils
  • Serving: Paper plates and plastic ware provided
  • Personal items: Students may bring own bowl/spoon/mug (self-cleaning responsibility)

7.5 Safety and Guidelines

7.5.1 Bear Safety

  • Bear spray provided by instructors
  • Food storage: All food secured in vehicles overnight
  • No food in tents at Marion Creek
  • Group travel: Stay together, never hike alone
  • Communication: Inform instructors of any activities with expected return time

7.5.2 Water and Hydration

  • Water containers provided and refilled at stations
  • Sources: Marion Creek, Toolik Station, Deadhorse Camp
  • Personal water filtration systems optional, not necessary

7.5.3 Alcohol Policy

  • Official UAF policy: No alcohol allowed
  • Deadhorse: Absolutely dry zone - no alcohol permitted

7.5.4 Medical and Emergency

  • First aid kits provided by instructors
  • Over-the-counter medications available
  • Personal medications: Students responsible for their own prescriptions and any other medication you think you need.

7.6 Additional Information

7.6.1 Coffee Arrangements

  • Instant coffee provided
  • Percolators available for brewing
  • Previous years had volunteer coffee makers among students

7.6.2 Shopping Opportunities

  • Palmer: Grocery stores and gear shops available
  • Fairbanks: Final opportunity for gear restocking
  • Emergency purchases: Basic rain gear and rubber boots available locally

7.6.3 Class Participation

  • Interactive format: Student contributions encouraged
  • Knowledge sharing: Students invited to share relevant expertise at soil pits
  • Experience levels: Mix of graduate students, faculty, and undergraduates with diverse backgrounds

7.7 Detailed Itinerary Review

7.7.1 July 11 (Arrival Day)

  • Airport pickup and transport to Matanuska Research and Extension Center, Palmer
  • Kitchen facilities available for cooking
  • Introductions and first soil pit near Palmer
  • Optional visit to Muskox Farm
  • Accommodation: Camping at Matanuska Research Center

7.7.2 July 12

  • Visit to Matanuska Glacier
  • Observe post-glacial landscape
  • Afternoon stop: potential thermokarst site with soil pit
  • Accommodation: Camping at Matanuska Research Center

7.7.3 July 13

  • Drive to Denali
  • Stop at Hatcher Pass to see Andisol and Spodosol
  • Accommodation: Camping near Denali (not Riley Creek - location TBD)

7.7.4 July 14

  • Denali exploration
  • Main activity: Savage Alpine Trail hike (4 miles with elevation changes)
  • Alternatives: Shorter trails available, bus tour option, Visitor Center
  • Accommodation: Camping near Denali

7.7.5 July 15

  • Drive to Fairbanks
  • Soil stops near Healy: Gelisol and Spodosol
  • Accommodation: University dorms in Fairbanks
  • Dinner on own in Fairbanks

7.7.6 July 16

  • Morning: Permafrost tunnel visit
  • Afternoon: Soil pits on campus showing ecosystem effects on permafrost
  • Accommodation: University dorms in Fairbanks
  • Dinner on own in Fairbanks

7.7.7 July 17 (Optional Day)

  • Option 1: Chena Hot Springs day trip (60 miles from Fairbanks)
    • Geothermal resort with naturally hot water
    • Self-sustainable facility with geothermal energy and greenhouse
  • Option 2: Explore Fairbanks, restock gear
  • Last chance to purchase additional equipment

7.7.8 July 18

  • Drive north on Elliott and Dalton Highway to Marion Creek
  • Stops:
    • Burnt vs. unburnt forest sites (wildfire effects on soil/permafrost)
    • Finger Mountain (geological features, stone circles)
    • Arctic Circle monument (photo opportunity)
  • Accommodation: Marion Creek Campground

7.7.9 July 19

  • Morning: Drive south to see Histosols
  • Lunch: Return to campground
  • Afternoon: Drive north to Sukakpak Mountain for palsa
  • Optional evening activity: 2-mile hike to waterfalls (weather permitting)
  • Accommodation: Marion Creek Campground

7.7.10 July 20

  • Break camp at Marion Creek
  • Drive to Toolik Station
  • Possible tundra soil pit near station
  • Accommodation: Toolik Field Station (1st night)

7.7.11 July 21

  • Leave Toolik for Prudhoe Bay (Dead Horse)
  • Observe Gelisols en route
  • Soil exposures along Sag River
  • Potential Pingo observation (hiking distance from accommodation)
  • Accommodation: Dead Horse camp (not Aurora Hotel)
  • Note: Deadhorse is an oil field, not a town - general store and post office available

7.7.12 July 22

  • Return journey to Toolik Station
  • Multiple stops along Dalton Highway
  • Accommodation: Toolik Field Station (2nd night)

7.7.13 July 23 (Departure Day)

  • Drive from Toolik to Fairbanks
  • Rest breaks and lunch stops
  • Possible soil stop (depending on flight schedules and road conditions)
  • Note: Most flights depart 9 PM or later - adequate time for travel

7.8 Action Items

7.8.1 For Students (Immediate - by end of week)

  1. Complete pre-class survey if not already done
  2. Make Toolik Field Station reservations for July 21-22 and July 23-24
  3. Join Discord channel using provided link
  4. Review packing list and begin gear preparation
  5. Contact instructors regarding equipment rental needs (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat)

7.8.2 For Students (Before Departure)

  1. Purchase Alaska tourist fishing license if planning to fish
  2. Acquire proper rain gear and rubber boots
  3. Prepare for variable weather conditions (snow to 80°F possible)
  4. Plan arrival logistics and communicate any early arrival plans

7.8.3 For Instructors

  1. Update Google Drive link on syllabus (Nic - within 1 week)
  2. Fix lodging information on schedule (Nic)
  3. Send follow-up email with survey reminder
  4. Prepare meeting minutes and share with all students
  5. Coordinate equipment rentals for students who need them

7.8.4 Course Coordination

  1. Discord monitoring for ongoing questions and coordination
  2. Camping cot coordination through Discord to manage space
  3. Final head count for meal planning and accommodation
  4. Weather monitoring as departure approaches

Next Steps: Students should prioritize completing the survey and making Toolik reservations immediately. All questions and ongoing coordination will continue through the Discord channel and direct email contact with instructors.