Involves application and extension of Drake coursework and personal interests in a hands-on, community context. BIO 8 or BIO 117-118 are recommended. Historically used for mineral, timber and livestock production, public lands are now under pressure to save biodiversity and provide wilderness experiences to a growing public. We go to the front lines, meet people involved and explore strategies for resolving these conflicts while learning outdoor and group skills. Stops include Canyonlands, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Zion, Salt Lake City and Logan Canyon.
Students stay at modern campgrounds and cook in groups.
Assigned readings, discussions, journals, two short backpacking trips into wilderness areas. Staying in cabins and camping, we explore mountain biology and ecology in early spring before tracing the path of eroded sediments from the 5000-foot ridge crest down to beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. See Drake's course schedule and ENSP director for details. Application of ecological theory to managing earth's biodiversity. Includes consideration of ethical and political frameworks, definitions of species, population genetics, landscape ecology, design of parks and preserves, species recovery plans, current efforts in restoration ecology, and sustainable development.