Sample Syllabus (from 2007) for Biology 401: Field Studies in Ecological Restoration

I. Learning Objectives –

To evaluate the theory and practice of restoration

To learn through fieldwork techniques in forest, stream, and grassland restoration

To learn the basics of how to construct a restoration plan

To practice skills in data collection and analysis

To practice writing a scientific manuscript

To learn some of the natural history of Oregon

II. Grading

Your grade will be calculated as follows:

1. Natural history notebook – Is it complete, somewhat neat, organized, and sufficient to identify plant species and their community associations? (20 points)

2. Final exam – Natural history and species identification; field techniques in ecology (from projects); questions from literature discussions.  (40 points)

3. Final writeup – Does the project arrive on time, in a way that can be retrieved and read?  Does the writeup follow the formatting guidelines?  Is the rationale for the project clearly stated and supported by references from the peer-reviewed scientific literature?  Are the data presented in a way that is easy to understand, retrieve, and possibly analyze?  Have all results been analyzed as fully as possible?  Does the Discussion present a clear analysis of project limitations and suggestions for future research? (30 points)

4. Course contribution – Did the student participate in discussions and get actively involved in field projects?  (5 points)

5. Group logistics - Were camp tasks performed on schedule?  Was the student on time for projects, project departures, and discussions? (5 points)

III. Course Itinerary – See below

IV. Reading List and Timetable – Our reader will include articles from the scientific literature that are relevant to our field projects.  There will be an average of about two articles to read per day. 

Course Itinerary (2007)

Reader Table of Contents (2007)

June 18: Read by the end of the day:

- Course Syllabus

- Course Itinerary

- Plant species list—for natural history exam

- Miscellaneous plant & bird lists—for fun

- Restoration Approach: Common elements of many restoration projects (K. Allen outline)

- Pelton-Round Butte dam license revisited (Article from Bend Bulletin)

- Understory Monitoring Study –Methods & Data Sheets (Prep for first field project)

June 19:

Discussion: What is Ecological Restoration? Read by 7 pm:

- Bradshaw, AD. 2002. Introduction and Philosophy.  Chapter 1 of Perrow MR and Davy AJ Handbook of Ecological Restoration Cambridge University Press

- The SER International Primer on Ecological Restoration

- Noss, RF et al. 2006. Recommendations for Integrating Restoration Ecology & Conservation Biology in  Ponderosa Pine Forests of the Southwestern United States. Restoration Ecology 14:4-10

Beetles & Snag Ecology Study Design.  Read by tomorrow (20^th) at noon:

- Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Health Note: Mountain Pine Beetle

- Beetle Powerpoint (Matt Orr)

June 20: Discussion: The Philosophy of Ecological Restoration.  Read by 7 pm:

- Elliot, R. 2000. Faking Nature.  Chapter 4 in W. Throop, ed., Environmental Restoration: Ethics, Theory, and Practice Humanity Books, Amherst NY.

- Mills, S. 2000. Salmon Support.  Chapter 2 in W. Throop, ed., Environmental Restoration: Ethics, Theory, and Practice Humanity Books, Amherst NY.

June 21: Visit to Metolius Demo Project.  Read by 2 pm:

- Durbin, K. 2006. To wage war on wildfire, President Bush convinced Congress to help him change the rules of forest management.  Are we better off now? High Country News April 17 2006.

June 22: Travel.  Use evenings at Jake Place to do upcoming readings, due 9 am.

June 23: Soils. Read by 9 am:

- USDA NRCS: Rangeland Soil Quality – Introduction

- Soils – The Nuts and Bolts

June 24: Cattle & Restoration.  Read by 9 am:

- Fleischner, TL. 1994. Ecological costs of livestock grazing in Western North America. Conservation Biology 8: 629-644.

- Dobkin DS et al. 1998. Habitat & Avifaunal Recovery from Livestock Grazing in a Riparian Meadow System of the Northwestern Great Basin. Conservation Biology 12: 209-221.

June 25: Free.  Note upcoming readings due by 9 am.

June 26: Camp Polk Meadow Restoration.  Read by 9 am:

- Upper Deschutes Watershed Council et al. 2007. Whychus Creek Restoration Project At Camp Polk Meadow Preserve

- The Cheatgrass Problem

June 27: High Cascades.  Read by 9 am:

- Franklin JF & CT Dyrness Natural Vegetation of Oregon & Washington (excerpts)

June 28: Stream Assessment.  Read by 9 am:

- Xerces Society Invertebrate Sampling Guide: Sampling Process: Setting Goals

- Xerces Society Invertebrate Sampling Guide: Step-by-Step Macroinvertebrate Collection

For Final Writeup: Make sure to check your email for the form that describes the proper formatting for your final writeup.  Also, check previous student papers on the website.  Due by midnight July --.