I currently teach Ecological Restoration (fall semester). In the recent past I’ve also taught Wetlands, Conservation Biology, Climate Change Adaptation (Honors Seminar), and Aquatic and Wetland Plants.
Ecological Restoration (ESPM 5071)
Each ecosystem restoration is the product of a myriad of decisions made in response to existing site conditions (biotic and abiotic), anticipated effects from the surrounding landscape, predictions about future events, logistical realities, and, of course, desired conditions. During this course, you will learn about the factors that affect ecosystem recovery and how people intervene to reverse ecosystem degradation. The course includes examples from ecosystems around the world, with more emphasis on those found in Upper Midwest. Students will develop a portfolio exploring in-depth one practical aspect of ecological restoration. (4 credits)
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge gained from ecological and social science research to restoration decision-making
- Assess ecological degradation of sites and identify effective restoration actions to reverse this degradation
- Develop general restoration schemes, including setting goals, evaluating the feasibility of alternative restoration options, and determining needed resources for implementation (e.g., funding, organizational capacity)
- Develop monitoring programs to evaluate restoration progress