River Ecology & Adventure June 22 – 27

Are you ready to explore the wild beauty of Southern Appalachia’s rivers while gaining invaluable knowledge about ecology and environmental stewardship? Our River Ecology & Adventure Pre-College Program offers a thrilling, hands-on learning experience that blends the excitement of outdoor adventure with the science of stream ecology.

Program Topics Sample Schedule

Registration Details:

  • June 22 – June 27, 2025
  • $1,840
  • Pre-College Programs are open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
  • Price includes lodging, meals, all course materials, activities, and excursions
  • A $500 deposit is due upon registration with remaining balance due by May 1, 2025.  Click here to see our cancellation policy.
  • Students reside in campus residence hall and dine in campus dining hall
  • Enrollment is open until spaces are filled
  • Registration is through the Camp Doc platform.  Detailed registration instructions can be found here.
Register Here

Why Choose Our Program?

  • Field-Based Learning: Immerse yourself in the natural world as you study the unique ecosystems of Southern Appalachian streams. Learn directly from the environment, observing aquatic species, testing water quality, and analyzing ecological data.
  • Adventure Awaits: This isn’t your typical classroom experience. Paddle on scenic lakes, hike to hidden wilderness swimming holes, and challenge yourself with exciting whitewater rafting. Every day is an adventure, and every adventure is a learning opportunity.
  • Outdoor Skills: Gain practical outdoor skills, from canoeing and rafting to exploring remote environments safely. Our expert instructors will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and prepared in the outdoors.
  • Environmental Impact Awareness: In addition to adventure, you’ll be encouraged to think critically about how human activities affect the environment. From pollution to conservation efforts, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how we can protect our precious waterways.
  • A Taste of College Life: This program is designed for high school students ready to take their education to the next level. Through group discussions, hands-on projects, and expert-led instruction, you’ll get a glimpse of what it’s like to study ecology, environmental science, or outdoor recreation at the collegiate level.

What You’ll Do:

  • Canoe & Raft: Navigate Southern Appalachian waterways  and learn essential watercraft skills while studying the river’s health and biodiversity.
  • Hike & Explore: Discover the hidden gems of local wilderness areas, from crystal-clear swimming holes to stunning natural landscapes.
  • Investigate Aquatic Life: Get up close with fish, insects, and other aquatic species that call the river home, and learn how they play a vital role in the ecosystem.
  • Critical Thinking: Take part in discussions and projects that challenge you to think critically about the delicate balance between human activities and the health of our rivers.

Topics and schedules are subject to change

The Adventure of a Lifetime

Get ready for an unforgettable week filled with outdoor challenges, academic discovery, and new friendships. Whether you’re an aspiring ecologist, environmental scientist, or just someone who loves adventure, this program offers the perfect blend of learning and excitement. Join us for the River Ecology & Adventure Pre-College Program — where nature, science, and adventure come together to spark your curiosity and ignite your passion for the environment!

Sample Schedule:

Morning

  • 8 a.m. – Breakfast
  • 9 a.m. – Intro to Southern Appalachian Stream Ecology
  • 10 a.m. – Water sample collection activity

Afternoon

  • 12 p.m. – Lunch: off campus
  • 1 p.m. – Whitewater Rafting / River Hike / Swimming hole

Evening

  • 5 p.m. – Dinner
  • 6:30 p.m. – Activities / Recreation / Free Time
    Options could include: sand volleyball, Asheville Tourists game, game night, movie
  • 11 p.m. – Lights out

Topics and schedules are subject to change

Meet Your Faculty

Dr. David Gillette

Dr. Gillette has been teaching aquatic ecology and environmental science at UNC Asheville since 2008. He earned a PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Oklahoma where he studied the importance of connections between terrestrial and aquatic habitats to stream fishes. Before coming to UNCA, Dr. Gillette taught for a year at Austin College in Texas. At UNCA, Dr. Gillette and his students are investigating the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems in western North Carolina, and the effectiveness of practices designed to remediate those impacts. During the 2015/2016 academic year, Dr. Gillette traveled to Nepal with support from the Fulbright Foundation, World Wildlife Fund and National Geographic Society to investigate effects of environmental change on Himalayan fishes.

Rowan Stuart

Rowan Stuart is the Associate Director for Outdoor Programs in Campus Recreation at UNC Asheville. She teaches Outdoor Leadership classes at UNCA and trains student trip leaders to run programs in whitewater kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, caving, and more. An alumni of UNCA’s Psychology and Biology departments, she has a MS in Experiential and Outdoor Education from Western Carolina University. Outside of her work with UNC Asheville, Rowan is also a member of the International Freestyle Canoe & Kayak Committee, and spent five years on the USA Freestyle Kayaking Team.

Back to all precollege programsAll Precollege Programs Register For Precollege

Questions? Please contact us at precollege@unca.edu.