The environmental problems facing humans are of overriding interest to many students, teachers and private citizens. The reasons for this interest are varied, but are most often centered on a preservation of the quality of the Earth and is environments for future generations.
Environmental biology is the one area of science in which many students show any interest.
Students and teachers all over the state become involved in local environmental issues, from recycling wastes to preserving wetlands. For example, many streams in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area have relatively bare, treeless banks, and have greatly elevated water temperatures during the summer months that kill many species. A few years ago there was an effort to replant trees along stream banks to reduce summer water temperatures. This plan succeeded so well that many streams are so heavily shaded they now have virtually no primary production and very few species. Sensible, long-term solutions to environmental problem require an understanding of the ecological principles underlying biotic systems.