ENVI 15
From Basalt to Balsam to Beavers: The Natural History of New England Winter 2019
Division III
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

In this course we will explore, far and wide, the New England Landscape and try to make some sense of the amazing physiographic and biological diversity that it offers in a relatively small area. From the spruce clad Berkshires to the broad Connecticut River Valley to the glacially forged coastal plain, we will delve into various landscapes and decipher the primary forces and features that make them distinct–their bedrock and climate, glacial history, flora and fauna. We’ll learn the predominant trees and shrubs and search for patterns to their occupation of the landscape. We will observe the behavior and evidence of winter-hardy wildlife–including chickadees, waterfowl, rabbits, weasels, beavers and coyotes. How do they manage to cope in their often rigorous and fickle environments and how might they be affected by climate change and other human influences? Through field trips, museum visits, individual investigations, readings, discussions and guest presentations, you’ll become a little more aware and appreciative of the natural heritage of the region that you have made your recent home. Students should be prepared to spend significant time outdoors, sometimes hiking several miles, in winter conditions; some trips will require students to be away from campus beyond normal class hours. Adjunct Instructor Bio: Drew Jones is Manager of Hopkins Memorial Forest where he oversees the management of the facilities, coordinates research and teaching activities and outreach programs for the public and local schools. He also operates an owl banding station in the fall and intermittently engages in other field research. In the past, he has worked as a wildlife biologist and educator from the Southern Appalachians to the North Woods.
The Class: Format: mornings; several class sessions off campus will likely last the entire day
Limit: 10
Grading: pass/fail only
Requirements/Evaluation: 2- to 3-page paper; final project
Prerequisites: none
Enrollment Preferences: students who demonstrate a special enthusiasm for this subject will be favored; all else being equal, seniors will receive special consideration
Materials/Lab Fee: $260 plus cost of books
Distributions: Division III
Attributes: EXPE Experiential Education Courses

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