The Field Naturalist Program
Giving Field Naturalists the tools they need to move the world
Curriculum
Field Naturalists (FNs) enroll in University of Vermont courses to deepen their knowledge of key disciplines such as field botany, field zoology, geomorphology, landscape ecology, hydrology, statistics, and soil science. Field courses designed by the Program's faculty integrate and expand upon traditional University offerings. From alpine areas in the Green Mountains to sand plain forests of the Champlain Valley, Field Naturalists learn a "layer cake" and "pieces, patterns, and process" approach to understanding the dynamic forces that shape and drive natural ecosystems. Hands-on courses help students progress from refining observational skills to tackling complex ecological problems. Much learning occurs in small group settings, with each entering class of four to five students working closely together, and with ecological planners, on field assignments.
Here is an overview of a likely curriculum for entering Field Naturalists:
First Year
Late Summer
- Field Primer in Ecosystem and Landscape Ecology
- Field Primer in Reading the Landscape
Fall Semester
- Fundamentals of Field Science
- Field Botany for Natural Resource Professionals
- Field Geology and Soil Science for Natural Resource Professionals
- Professional Writing for Field Naturalists
- Field Naturalist Practicum
Winter Break
Spring Semester
- Landscape Inventory and Assessment
- Field Naturalist Practicum
- Geostatistical Analysis or Biometry or Statistical Analysis via Computer
- Proposal Writing
- Practical Research Methods for Field Ecologists
- Electives
Second Year
Summer
- Master's Project Research
Fall Semester
- Master's Project Research
- Field Naturalist Practicum
- Media Writing for Natural Resource Professionals
- Electives
Winter Break
- Costa Rica - Tropical Botany (tentative and optional)
Spring Semester
- Master's Project Completion (this includes a technical report, an article written for the lay public, an oral presentation to a conservation group outside the university community, and an oral presentation to the university community)
- Field Naturalist Practicum
May Graduation
Elective Courses
(Some of the Elective Courses Commonly Taken by Field Naturalists)
- Community Ecology
- Ecological Economics
- Ecosystem Ecology
- Field Geology
- Field Zoology
- Forest Ecosystem Dynamics
- Forest Pathology
- Geographic Information Systems
- Geohydrology
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Land Conservation: Theory and Practice
- Landscape Ecology
- Mammalogy
- Ornithology
- Physiological Ecology
- Plant and Animal Interactions
- Restoration Ecology
- Soils and Land Use
- Spatial Analysis
- Stream Ecology
- Surface Processes and Quaternary Geology Seminar
- Tropical Plant Systematics
Focus on Communication
While Field Naturalists learn to master the science behind sound environmental decisions, they also acquire the skills to spark any audience's interest. FNs work one-on-one with professional writers, editors, and public speaking coaches. Whether composing a slide program or scientific manuscript, an essay or a municipal report, Field Naturalists learn to inform and inspire by writing and speaking in language that is clear, concise, and powerful.
Masters Project
The Masters Project is designed in collaboration with a conservation organization (e.g. The Nature Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the National Park Service). The field research spans the summer and second fall semester. Students work closely with an advisor and studies committee to ensure that projects are scientifically sound, intellectually challenging, and ecologically relevant.
Field Naturalist Program - Department of Plant Biology
120B Marsh Life Science Building - 109 Carrigan Drive
University of Vermont - Burlington, VT 05405
(802) 656-2930 - Lillian.Reade@uvm.edu
Last modified January 28 2008 04:46 PM
