Unity, Maine – August, 2012 –  The ecological expertise of Unity College will be a featured highlight of a new collaboration with Pack, Paddle and Ski, an adventure company from South Lima, New York.  Two unique and specially designed international expeditions combine education and hands-on immersion, showcasing Unity College’s environmental mission. 

     The trips are:

     From March 17-26, 2013, Unity College President Stephen Mulkey, a scientist with an international reputation, will co-lead a trip to Costa Rica. 

     From May 20 – June 4, 2013, Unity College Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs William Trumble will co-lead a trip to Nepal.

     Both trips are open to the general public.  For details and to reserve a spot visit Pack, Paddle and Ski online at www.packpaddleski.com; e-mail info@packpaddleski.com; or by phone (585-346-5597.

     Rick French, a 1980 Unity alum and owner of Pack, Paddle and Ski, will join President Mulkey and William Trumble to lead each trip.

     The trips are customized eco adventures designed to reflect the environmental mission and share the expertise of professionals from Unity College.

                                                Trip to Costa Rica

     The trip with President Mulkey to Costa Rica is designed to give each participant a rich, in-depth experience with ecological immersion.  Local Costa Rican ecological organizations that support sustainable science, the cutting-edge of 21^st Century environmental problem solving, will be collaborating with Mulkey, French and the tour participants for the trip itinerary.

     The verdant rainforest setting is a familiar one for Mulkey, who spent much of his career conducting research in Central America.  He is looking forward to sharing his experiences as the tour group visits nesting grounds of turtles on the Atlantic, and explores remarkable rainforest flora and fauna in the shadow of an active volcano in the dense interior region.  Participants will raft down a tropical river and visit hot springs frequented by wild howler monkeys.  The group will spend time living alongside sustainable organic farmers, gaining hands-on farming skills.

     This trip to Costa Rica promises a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience featuring the ecology, people, and culture of a place that many consider a modern day Eden.

                                                       Trip to Nepal

     For those with a desire to walk in the shadows of Mt. Everest in a land that is steeped in legend, lore and mystery, the trip to Nepal led by William Trumble will be a can’t miss opportunity.

     The trip will bring participants into contact with a broad range of Sherpa and Buddhist culture.  The Himalayan Kingdom provides an unusual mix of ancient chanting monks, nunneries, and palaces with modern development and sustainable schools, water projects, forestation projects, and agricultural practices.

     The group will trek the famous lower altitudes of the Everest Valley and join long-time Sherpa friends as they open their homes and hearths to group participants.  The exotic, possibly life-changing experiences of this journey promise to repay those who seek its rewards with understanding far beyond ordinary tours.

     Both trips are open to the general public and will highlight Unity’s educational philosophy through focused, well-designed educational and fun activities from the outset to final farewell.

     Unity College is a small private college in rural Maine that provides dedicated, engaged students with a liberal arts education that emphasizes the environment and natural resources. Unity College graduates are prepared to be environmental stewards, effective leaders, and responsible citizens through active learning experiences within a supportive community.