Landscape Natural History
ENVS 195
Syllabus - Fall 2002

Walter Poleman, Instructor                 Monday (12:20 - 4:20)  Thursdays  12:30 – 4:30
Office: 128A Marsh Life Science        222 Terrill                       119 Aiken
(mail box in 120 Marsh)
Office Phone: 656-0424                
Home Phone: 434-4380             Office Hours: Tuesdays 1-3:30 pm
email: wpoleman@zoo.uvm.edu        (and by appointment)

Course Description

This integrated field science course explores the natural history of Chittenden County and provides students with a framework for understanding why the surrounding landscape looks the way it does.  It features an interdisciplinary approach to landscape assessment that stresses not only inventorying the biotic and physical components (pieces), but examining how these pieces are distributed in the landscape (patterns) and what forces drive these patterns (processes).  A strong emphasis is placed on interpreting the history of how the landscapes we see today have unfolded through time—from their geological origins to their importance to native peoples to the impacts of European settlement and 20th century land-use. Throughout the semester we will examine the relationship between people and the land, exploring how cultures shape their landscape and are shaped by it.  Natural history writing, photography, and sketching are included the course as a tools for focusing observation skills in the field.

Course Format

About two-thirds of class-time will be spent outdoors.  We will meet at the classroom for introductory lectures on most weeks, then travel by van to a natural area within 40 minutes of campus.  In addition, certain assignments will require that you spend additional time in the field by yourself or as a part of a small group.   It is essential that you dress appropriately for comfort during these trips, and are prepared for any kind of weather.  We’ll talk more about this during the first class.  




Learning Objectives

It order to achieve our goal of understanding the nature of the landscape of Chittenden County, we will be exploring a range of disciplines and drawing connections between then whenever possible. Some of these disciplines include geology, soil science, botany, wildlife biology, ecology, history, and hydrology. By the end of the course, it is my hope that the students will:

·    understand the geological history of the Chittenden County landscape
·    understand the influence of bedrock and surficial geology on other landscape components
·    be able to identify the common rocks and glacial landforms in Chittenden County
·    be able to describe and analyze a soil pit
·    be able to describe the range of soils types found in Chittenden County
·    understand the influence of soils on vegetation
·    be able to  identify and understand the natural history of at least 25 woody woody plant species common in the area
·    be able to  identify at least five fern species in the field
·    be able to  identify and analyze common natural community types found in the county
·    decipher the imprint of human history on the local landscape
·    understand and interpret the influence of natural disturbance regimes on landscape patterns
·    understand the influence of climate and weather on landscape patterns
·    be able to interpret the tracks and signs of local wildlife species
·    be able to  identify invasive exotic species and understand their influence on regional ecology
·    be able to identify and interpret the natural and human history of a forested site


Assignments & Grading

Geology Assignment - 5%
Site Analysis and Tree Key - 10%                           
Mid-term Exam - 10%
Tree Species Assignment - 10%
Landscape Web site and Presentation - 20%
Field Exam - 20%
Final Paper - 15%
Attendance and Participation - 10%
Natural History Notebook - up to 3% bonus points

·    All assignments should be typed on a word processor
·    Assignments are due at the start of class (12:20 pm).  Late submissions will be penalized 5% for each 24 hour-period they are late.

Course Readings

    Required Texts
·    Reading the Forested Landscape (Wessels)
·    Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A Guide to the Natural Communities of Vermont (Thompson and Sorenson)
·    Peterson’s Guide to Eastern Trees (Petrides)

    Books on Reserve
·    North Woods (Marchand)
·    Chittenden County Soil Survey
·    Silvics of North America - 2 volumes (US Forest Service)
·    New England Wildlife - 2 Volumes (DeGraaf)
·    The Nature of Vermont (Johnson)
·    Hands on the Land (Albers)

In addition, there will be several photocopied articles assigned throughout the semester. It essential to complete reading assignments prior to class.

Required field gear:
    
 
·    rain gear
·    waterproof hiking boots
·    field notebook
·    writing utensil (mechanical pencils are best)
·    knapsack with extra clothes, water, and snacks

optional items:
·    hand lens
·    binoculars
·    field guides
·    camera