Physical and Environmental Geology in the Grand Canyon

Are you interested in the environmental and geological sciences? Do you love a challenge?

If so, join us for GEOL 105 Physical and Environmental Geology in the Grand Canyon, our 2026 environmental geology field course and motorized raft trip!

This course is open only to incoming first-year students, regardless of your intended major. In this experience, you'll raft 89 miles, camp four nights and hike nine miles. You'll also:

• Spend one week doing science on the Mississippi River and in uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø's geology laboratories, and then one week rafting, hiking and camping in the Grand Canyon ¡ª all before the start of your academic year.
• Gain field experience as we study Earth systems.
• Earn four credits of a natural science lab course.
• Make friends with other incoming first-year students and have an amazing adventure.

Dates

July 19-Aug. 1, 2026

Cost

Through the generous support of uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø geology alumni, the trip cost to you is now only $3,500, which includes a 4-credit field course, transportation, raft trip, food and lodging and all field equipment.

How to apply

There¡¯s still room, but spots fill up quickly (a $500 deposit is required unless receiving the scholarship). The program is limited to incoming first-year uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø students who have made a deposit for enrollment at uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø and are ready for a challenge!

Join the adventure

Application deadline: May 1, 2026

¡ú The Geology Field Scholarship is available for incoming first-year students. Applicants for this award should be Pell-eligible students with a strong interest in the natural sciences and the environment who are admitted to uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø to begin their first year in the fall of 2026.

(If you cannot join this first-year summer field course, but love to study Earth and be outside, please talk to the faculty about geology courses - consider enrolling in GEOL-101 Physical and Environmental Geology (4 credits) on campus during fall or spring semester.)

For more information

Contact one of the co-directors:

Dr. Jenny Arkle
Assistant Professor of Geology, Geography, & Environmental Studies
JennyArkle@augustana.edu
309-794-7844

Dr. Jeffrey Strasser
Professor of Geology, department chair
JeffreyStrasser@augustana.edu
309-794-7218

Itinerary

Course(s) and details

All students will enroll in GEOL-105 Physical & Environmental Geology Summer Field Course for Incoming First-Year Students for 4 credits during the Summer term. GEOL105 carries a Natural Science (PN) Learning Perspective course suffix, and partially fulfills the general education graduation requirements. There are no course prerequisites, however participants must be willing and able to hike (9 miles, ~5-6 hrs.) out of the Grand Canyon (prepare ahead of time!) and ride on motorized raft and camp.

Class and travel dates

• July 19: First class meeting at noon, Swenson Hall of Geosciences, Fryxell Geology Museum on the uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø uedbetÌåÓý¹ÙÍø campus in Rock Island, Illinois
• July 19-24: Classroom work, labs and local field exercises.
• July 25-26: Flight to and overnight stay in Las Vegas, then drive to the Grand Canyon (Lees Ferry).
• July 27-30: Rafting 89 miles through the Grand Canyon on motorized rafts, hiking out on the Bright Angel Trail.
• July 31: Drive to Las Vegas
• Aug. 1: Return flight to Moline.