School of
Terrestrial Studies
Land-related skills & activities and natural resources education.
Dawn Bello
Founder, CEO & Dean of
School of Terrestrial Studies
We are stewards of this beautiful planet and the amazing variety of resources to which she is home. Stewardship sits squarely upon the pillars of awareness, understanding and appreciation. The School of Terrestrial Studies strives to impart these pillars in everyone who is touched directly or indirectly through our programming and shared passion for the planet.
Teacher Continuing Education Courses
Trip Planning & Preparation - Basic
Don't leave home without it!
Over 90% of backcountry rescue operations are the result of one thing:
Poor planning - or none at all.
Whether it's weather, faulty gear, inappropriate clothing, lack of proper navigation gear or skills, lack of water or something else, the majority of SAR Ops are the result of insufficient (or no) planning. Often times, those fortunate enough to be rescued cite that they were just out for a front country day trip. Then things spiraled out of control and beyond the capabilities of their knowledge and skills. Don't be the next victim - learn these life-saving outdoor skills. before you step foot on the trail.
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THIS COURSE IS A PRE-REQUISITE TO ANY OUTDOOR TEACHING COURSE.
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30 Contact Hours​
3 CPE Credits
$350.00
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Trip Planning & Preparation - Level II
Building upon TPP-Basic, this course is essential for anyone planning to step foot in the backcountry or lead others on an outing. Choosing a route, planning emergency contingencies, selecting support staff, selecting gear and supplies, planning for safety and security and more - this course walks you through the essentials of planning and preparation that a solid guide should employ. Being prepared for the unexpected when miles away from the safety, comfort and support of the developed world is the responsibility of the leaders. Drawing on their combined experience of over 25 years of wilderness leadership, OWLS co-founders Dawn and Nyssa share the good, the bad and the ugly of the many things for which one needs to prepare - and what can happen when you don't.
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REQUIRED FOR ANY OWLS EXCURSION & OUTDOOR LEADERS
30 Contact Hours
3 CPE Credits
$350.00
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Scout Like a Pro -
Backcountry Edition​
A behind-the-scenes peek into the life of a wilderness guide. Discover what goes into the planning and scouting for backcountry excursions. Somebody has to troubleshoot for everything that can go wrong and that "somebody" is the scout! These potential snafus are best discovered and mitigated without a group in tow. This is a key purpose of a scouting trip which means that you actually hope anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, so you can address it. In this insightful, inspiring, and sometimes hilarious training, you will get a glimpse into some real-life scouting adventures - and associated lessons - of two accomplished wilderness leaders. Laugh while you learn, as we share some of our wildest wilderness scouting stories!
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20 Contact Hours
2 CPE Credits
$250.00
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Forecasting the Weather with Nature's Signs
"It smells like rain!" A farmer knows this important and beloved scent, but a truly experienced farmer or homesteader knows it's going to rain hours, sometimes even days, before a change in the weather. Nature is full of clues and signals to tell us what we can expect - and she can be far more accurate than the 6 o'clock news' meteorologist! Now, you can be more accurate, too! From animal behavior to changes in vegetation to hints far overhead in the sky, learn how to forecast using tips from Mother Nature.
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Elementary & Middle School
Earth & Space Science
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30 Contact Hours
3 CPE Credits
$350.00
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The Physics of a
Paddle Stroke
When you dip that paddle into the water you are doing far more than just having fun. You are literally leveraging a gamut of complex laws of physics! Add a little wind, a bit of a current and things get even more interesting. Many people maneuver their paddle in the exact opposite way than what they should, when first starting out. However, once you understand the physics of the paddle, it all makes perfect sense! Paddle your way to a whole new appreciation of science!
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Elementary & Middle School
Earth Science, Math, Physics
15 Contact Hours
1.5 CPE Credits
$150.00
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The Science of
Scenting Dogs
How do air scent dogs find a person who is lost deep in the woods or a cavern, over a mile away? The science of scenting - from how the dog's nose works to where and how scent lingers in the air and travels is as interesting as it is complex. The dogs don't know or care how they do it - it comes naturally to them! But their handlers must understand the science behind scenting so that they can set the dog up to win - and help rescue someone who may be lost and injured in the backcountry!
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Elementary & Middle School
Earth Science, Chemistry, Biology
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30 Contact Hours
3 CPE Credits
$350.00
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Land Navigation Skills
of the Early Pioneers
The early pioneers did not have cell phones, GPS units or modern compasses. Instead, they used an intricate skill set to reliably navigate the landscape. These skills are not only timeless, but they are also an excellent aid to "lost-proofing" in situations where modern technology cannot be relied upon - yet one's life may depend on it! An intriguing and beneficial way to capture the attention and imagination of your students while teaching earth science, geometry and geography!
​On your next foray down the trail, go with the confidence of knowing that you have the skills and abilities to navigate using tried and true knowledge and skills that have served explorers for generations.
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Elementary & Middle School
Earth & Space Science, Math, Geography
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30 Contact Hours
3 CPE Credits
$350.00
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Navigating with a Compass & Topo Map
You're hiking through a gorgeous canyon enjoying beautiful weather when suddenly, the sky above turns dark and threatening. You need to find the quickest way back to your car but suddenly, you no longer have a signal on your cell phone. Failure of front country electronic devices is one of the top ways people find themselves in a desperate back country situation. But you're not worried because you learned how to apply math, geography and earth science skills to navigate back to your car with a compass and topo map. On your next foray down the trail, go with the confidence of knowing that you have the skills and abilities to navigate using tried and true tools and techniques that have served explorers for generations.
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​​​​​Elementary & Middle School
Earth Science, Math, Geography
30 Contact Hours
3 CPE Credits
$350.00
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Tent Designs for Strength and Resilience
Have you ever wondered why there are so many different styles and types of tents? Why do some cost in upwards of $1,000? What's the big deal? There is a lot of engineering that goes into tent design! You are relying on this system of tiny poles and fabric to keep you safe from the elements. At the same time, it's important to minimize weight - in some cases, it's even critical. In this class we look at tent strength and ability to withstand a variety of conditions due to such things as geometric shape, tensile strength and juxtaposition of openings. We compare the different types, styles, construction and features of tents, bivy's and hammocks. It's a whole new way to look at those portable little home-away-from-home gadgets.
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Elementary & Middle School
Geometry, Physics, Chemistry,
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15 Contact Hours
1.5 CPE Credits
$150.00
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