NSCI 390C: Topics in Natural Sciences

Course Description

Topic Titile: Applied Restoration and Conservation Ecology Laboratory- This is a field based lab course that will take place in the field where students will conduct restoration, stewardship and conservation planning. Students will be exposed to and interact with professionals from a variety of organizations in southeast Michigan that are dedicated to managing and protecting the globally endangered oak-openings landscape. Some course time will be devoted to reading and discussing literature on landscape, restoration and conservation ecology. Topics and papers will emphasize local and regional ecology ( lakeplain prairies, oak openings, wetlands, Great Lakes) and methods for managing, maintaining and restoring these ecological systems (e.g. fire ecology). Classroom discussion will emphasize the importance of these systems and their conservation to human health, well-being, and culture.