2007 Idaho Earth Science Educator Field Workshop

Buttermilk Campground Group Site

Island Park, Idaho

July 8-13, 2007

Mesa Falls near the site of the 2007 Summer Field Workshop

General Information

            Idaho teachers are invited to attend the 2007 Idaho Earth Science Educators Summer Field Workshop,
to be held July 8-13 in Island Park. The workshop is offered each year in a different location by the Idaho Geological
Survey for in-service Idaho educators. This year, the venue is the Buttermilk Campground Group Site in Island Park,
about 54 miles north of Idaho Falls. Island Park lies in a prehistoric caldera adjacent to Yellowstone National Park.
The area contains an outstanding assortment of ancient and modern geological features including fault scarps, lava flows,
pumice, obsidian, hot springs, and glacial moraines. Participants will attend lectures and field trips, receive teaching aids
and instructional materials, and design an earth science teaching activity for use in their own classrooms.     

            Offered since 1986, the IGS summer field workshops are week-long sessions designed to help teachers
develop lesson plans that increase awareness and understanding of the geology and natural hazards affecting Idaho.
The workshops also promote excellence in earth science education by providing short courses in geological concepts
and methods, and by exposing educators to new technologies and theories. The workshops emphasize "learning through
inquiry" in a friendly, non-competitive, outdoor environment. They are open to all Idaho educators regardless of prior
training or experience in the earth sciences. Both elementary and secondary teachers are welcome. Photos and other
information about past workshops can be viewed at http://www.idahogeology.org/FieldWorkshops/.

            Major funding for the workshop is provided by the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security. Other co-sponsors are
 the Idaho Association of Earth Science Teachers (IESTA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
the National Energy Foundation and the Idaho Mining Association.

Idaho Geological Survey
Idaho Earth Science Teachers Association
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Energy Foundation
Idaho Mining Association

Snotel Mountain near Henry's Lake.

Workshop Fees

Workshop costs are only $50 for registration, camping fees, course materials, insurance and
transportation during the workshop. Participants are responsible for their own food and
transportation to/from the workshop. Click here to REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP.

Buffalo River at Island Park

Academic Credit

Participants may optionally take the workshop for two academic credits through the University of Idaho.
Fees for in-service Idaho teachers are $69 per undergraduate credit and $82 per graduate credit.
Registration for academic credit is conducted on the first day of the workshop (July 8th).
Payment is by cash or check only.

 
Henry's Lake

Driving Directions to the Summer Field Workshop

Proceed to Ashton, Idaho, 54 miles north of Idaho Falls.
From Ashton, drive 27 miles north on US Highway 20 to Island Park.
Proceed 2.2 miles north on Highway 20 to the junction with the Kilgore-Yale Road (across from the Elk Creek Gas Station).
Turn west (left) on the Kilgore-Yale Road and drive 1.9 miles to the junction with the Buttermilk Loop Road.
Turn south (left) on this paved road and drive 2.8 miles to the entrance of Buttermilk Campground.
Follow signs to the Group Site.

Camping Information

The Buttermilk Campground is on Island Park Reservoir.
ATV's and off-road vehicles are not permitted in the campground.
Most sites have some shade.
There is a power boat ramp and a small grocery store nearby.
Groceries, ice and gas are available in Island Park
The group campground has access to shore trout fishing, a volleyball area, and horseshoe pits.
Developed sites have picnic tables, fire rings and access to toilets and drinking water.
There are no RV hookups or electricity. 
Depending on number of attendees, workshop participants may be asked to share campsites and/or camp in a large, sandy field.

It gets COLD at night in Island Park, even in early July.  Dress and plan accordingly!

Climate Summary (1971-2000)

Average Maximum Temperature: 78.8°F
Average Minimum Temperature: 42.7°F
Average Precipitation: 1.3 inches

Part of the Group Site at Buttermilk Campground



Typical camping site at Buttermilk Campground

Map of Buttermilk Campground (from http://www.reserveamerica.com). The workshop will be
held at the Group Site (left side of map).

Camping Gear Suggestions

Field Gear

Strongly Recommended

Required Items

Area Lodging (not an exhaustive list)

Yellowstone Hot Spot Information and Links

FAQ's

For More Information Contact