Download Natural Resource Management 11:704:488

Restoration Ecology
11:216:488 (4cr)
Spring Semester
MTu 10:55-12:15, Lab M 1-5
Dr. Myla Aronson ([email protected])
Study of the ecological processes that underlie the re-creation of a natural community. Habitat characteristics, life
histories, reproductive ecology, biological invasions, mutualism, societal laws, and attitudes toward restoration.
Field trips to representative restored habitats.
Learning goals:
1: Explain basic population, community ecology, and ecosystem-level concepts.
2: Create a natural resource management plan demonstrating an understanding of societal values and interests.
3: Think criticially and solve problems using evidence-based reasoning.
4: Communicate effectively orally and through written text and graphics.
5: Evaluate ecology, evolutio,n and natural resource management concepts in a global context.
Revised Schedule of Classes
Jan. 20
Jan. 26
Jan. 27
Feb. 2
Feb. 3
Feb. 9
Feb. 10
Feb. 16
Feb. 17
Feb. 23
Lecture
Introduction: what is biodiversity?
Lab
Functions of restoration
Initiating populations
Rare species
Too common species
Ecotypes
Restoration genetics
Landscape ecology; metapopulations
Defining the target community
Feb. 24
Mar. 2
Study day
EXAM 1
Mar. 3
Mar. 9
Mar. 10
Mar. 16-17
Mar. 23
Mar. 24
Mar. 30
Mar. 31
Apr. 6
Apr. 7
Apr. 13
Apr. 14
Community assembly
Finding mutualists
Managing ecological succession
Antagonists: herbivory and biological control
Disturbances: wanted and unwanted
Restoring hydrology
EXAM 2
EARLY TRIP: New Jersey Meadowlands
Restoring invertebrate habitats
EARLY TRIP: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY
Urban biodiversity issues
Restoration Film Festival
Pinelands Nursery, Columbus, NJ
EPA case studies – Harry
Compton
Great Falls National Historical
Park, NJ
Duke Farms, Hillsborough, NJ
New Jersey Meadowlands
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY
Apr. 20
Apr. 21
Apr. 27
Apr. 28
May 4
May 9
EARLY TRIP: Pennypack Ecological Restoration
Preserve, PA
Project planning and monitoring
Class Project presentations Lab: presentations
continued
Case studies: Sea level rise and “restoring the future”
EARLY TRIP: Meadow restorations, Monmouth County
Parks, NJ
FINAL EXAM, 9 – 11 a.m.
Pennypack Ecological Restoration
Preserve, PA
Meadow restorations, Monmouth
County Parks, NJ