Basic Orienteering: How to Use a Map & Compass 

Even in this high-tech era, nothing replaces the value of knowing how to use a map and compass to navigate your way through the wilderness. 

Enjoy the Arboretum’s spectacular autumn foliage while learning how to tell the difference between magnetic north and true north, how to take a bearing, how to decipher a topographic map, and see how good you are at walking in a straight line!

Event Details

Class will begin inside the Arboretum's Jewett Interpretive Center with an introductory presentation and orientation before moving out onto the grounds to practice the hard skills of map and compass use. 

This class is intended for ages 12 and up.  Participants should come prepared to spend a few hours outside in variable conditions.

What to bring:

1. Compass (A limited supply of loaner ones will also be available.)
2. Water bottle.
3. Notebook and pencil for note taking.
4. Snacks/Lunch (Optional)

About your Instructor

Class instructor and Arboretum Nature Science Director Jacob Belsher first learned how to navigate in the backcountry as a Forest Service employee.  Since then, he has had many opportunities to hone his skills during frequent "side trips" in the forests and mountains of the pacific northwest. 

Class size limited to 20 people.