Field Ecology and Natural History Syllabus
2011 Syllabus Field Ecology and Natural History of Sierra Nevada in
California
Field Ecology and Natural History is a course that integrates concepts of ecology, natural
history, and environmental science using examples from Kings Canyon, Yosemite, and Sierra
National Forest. Daily field exercises will focus on natural history of the region of the Sierra
Nevada, for example but not limited to ecological analysis of local streams, lakes and forest.
Participants will observe and interpret evidence regarding forest stand history and disturbance
patterns, ecological zonation of organisms in different habitats, influence of soil and geologic
conditions, ecosystem adaptations to human disturbance, biodiversity patterns in different
ecosystems, and indicator species in stream benthic communities.
Course objectives: explore ecological relationships and biodiversity in the beautiful outdoor
classroom of the Greater Sierra Nevada Natural surroundings
Learning Objectives:
Students completing this course should be able to:
1. plan for and camp safely;
2. demonstrate respect for fellow campers and the environment;
3. research and prepare short written reports about the natural history of species common to the areas studied;
4. identify local flora and fauna and give oral presentations regarding the natural history of selected
representative species;
5. describe the major geologic features and processes characteristic of the areas studied;
6. use a dichotomous key;
7. employ basic orientation skills to navigate in the field;
8. summarize major episodes of human habitation in the areas studied and describe some of the contributions of
past settlement to current anthropogenic conditions or features.
Dates: January 6th (2 hour orientation), January 13th thru the 16th, 2011 (4 day Field Trip)
Instructor: Rey Morales Gavilan Community College rmorales@gavilan.edu 408.848.4872
Class Format: Class orientation is held on Thursday January 6th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
and our group will leave on a 4-day camping/volunteer restoration project on January 13th at 6
a.m. to Calvin Crest Christian Camp near Oakhurst California. We will return on Sunday
January 16th and return to Gavilan around 8 p.m. The class may involve strenuous outdoor
activities such as hiking, camping and working in the snow. A mix of mini-presentations,
discussions on ecological concepts, and upkeep of individual daily journals will be the general
schedule for the day. When we return to Gavilan, we will have a few days to recuperate and on
Friday January 21st from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. we will have a pot luck, Individual presentations
where we will discuss our field experiences, turn in reflection papers, journals and share
pictures.
Required Textbooks:
Any type of Compositon paperback journal
California Natural History Guides: Sierra Nevada Natural History revised edition (ISBN 978-0-520-24096-4) is
published by University of California Press.
Evaluation of Student Performance will be based on participation in class activities, Field
journals, discussions of selected ecological issues, and completion of a course species field
projects (2 aminals & 2 plants), and a final PowerPoint presentation, including pictures taken
during our trip, and a three page typed paper on your reflection on the trip due on January 21st
by 9:00 a.m.
Short List of Recommended Field Gear: Students are encouraged to bring sun screen, deet
insect repellent, lotion, anti-poison oak (Tecnu) lotion, headache medicine, Band-Aids, flashlight,
batteries, sleeping bag, plenty of socks (10 pair), 3 long sleeve shirts, snow jacket, rain poncho,
long pants, snow pants (water resistant pants), hiking shoes, extra pair of shoes, regular gloves
and leather work gloves, sheers (knife), hat, camera (with plenty of memory sticks and
batteries), field notebook (small), backpack, 2 liter water, water bottle, and plenty of high energy
snacks
Please bring all personal medication and let me know if you have any medical condition that
may require special accommodations and/or treatment/Medical Doctor and contact person in
case of an emergency.
Course Content:
PossibleThemes: ecosystems analysis, successional processes, disturbance and recovery,
biodiversity, environmental gradients and ecological zonation, competition, predation,
environmental stresses, watershed processes, species composition of different habitats,
adaptations, soil properties, methods of data analysis and graphing, global issues such as
climate change, field natural history, sampling methods, and conservation biology.
Discussions (50 points) Students will actively participate during field presentations and
evening discussion (held after dinner). For full credit students should engage in discussion
every time we have our evening meeting and at two different Field presentation events, students
should ask at least one relevant biological question (make sure you log it into your journal for
credit!).
Four 8 minute Field Presentation is required (200 points) Each presentation must include at least
one 8.5x11 colored image printed before we leave Gavilan Campus, and 8 to 10 flash cards that state its common
name, scientific name and Family. Also it must state if it’s native or non-native. If non-native include where it
originated and how it was introduced. Include its Natural Habitat. What they eat? Who eats them? What
animals/plants do they affect? Why are they important? Why are we concerned? Can they be used as indicator
species? (indicator species=help monitor any environmental changes) Are they a “keystone” species? Endemic?
How does Climate change affect them? Habitat Fragmentation and human use, Chemical, toxins and air
contaminants and What is being done? What can we do? Etc.
Animal Vertebrate list click hyperlink below
Animal Vertebrate list
Plant list click hyperlink below
Weedlist
Wildlife Resource link and Fact sheet
Plant Resource link and Fact Sheet
Journal (50 points) Log daily activities (date and time of all entries) log presentations given- Label “Field
Presentations” (include names of individuals and species presented), questions asked by you and others,
interesting things learned, questions unanswered, new terms, sketches, notes from group meetings- Label “Group
meeting” as well as your questions.
In your reflection paper you must address two of the following, at least one picture taken
and how you plan to advocate for the environment (60).
Ecological Succession What is “ecological succession”? Why does “ecological succession” occur? Are there
examples of ecological succession on the Nature Trail? Hint sun loving plants versus shade tolerant plants How
are humans affected by ecological succession? Does ecological succession ever stop?
Hibernation What is hibernation? Are all hibernators the same? Why hibernate? Do hibernators have to
hibernate? What are some nature trail animals and their hibernation patterns?
Leaf shape and Strategies What is a leaf? What kinds of leaves do we see on the trees found on the Nature trail?
Why do tree leaves have different shapes? How does the “balancing act” of carbon dioxide and water loss affect
leaf shape?
Subnivia What is it? How does it form? What animals might be found? Why?
Winter birds What birds could you expect on the nature trail in Winter? Why do some birds migrate and others do
not?
Powerpoint presentation on flashdrive (60 points) A 10-15 min presentation will be given on the 21st
of January will include an overview of the 4 species presented out in the field also pictures of fauna and flora taken
on the trip and any interesting finds.
Grade breakdown (note: total points may vary)
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
D
F
%
90-100
88-89
86-87.9
80-85.9
78-79
75-77.9
68-74.9
58-67.9
<57
Tentative
Points
360+
352
344
320
312
300
272
232
<232
Recommended Reading: Prior to arrival, students are encouraged to prepare for the class by
reviewing the following suggested text in a Modern Classic in Ecology and Foundations in basic
ecology (These readings will be our source of topics for evening meetings):
Online Excerpts from Silent Spring Rachel Carson
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/reader/0141184949/ref=sib_dp_pt/278-1234782-8010828#readerpage
A Fable for Tomorrow and The Obligation to Endure Pages 21-26
Three mile Island Harrisburg Pennsylvania http://americanhistory.si.edu/tmi/index.htm and view
link Three Mile Island Witness Testimonials
Online Excerpts from A Natural History of California by Allan Schoenherr
http://books.google.com/books?id=hk66OIHoesEC&dq=A+Natural+History+of+California&prints
ec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=7&ct=result#PPA22,M1
Pages 18-29
Intro to Ecology Columbia University http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoffburg/IntEcol_links.html
Review the Living Planet 2004 Report, link http://assets.panda.org/downloads/lpr2004.pdf
by the World Wildlife Fund, to see graphic illustrations of humanity's impact on the natural
resources of the planet, and read about a new comprehensive plan in Defying Nature’s End
original website http://forests.org/archived_site/today/recent/2000/defnaten.htm to save
the planet, drafted by an unprecedented combination of scientists, environmentalists and
business leaders in August 2000.
Recommended text
Silent Spring Rachel Carson 1962 (ISBN 978-0-141-18494-4) published by Penguin Books
References:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Animal and Plant list
direct link below
http://www.nps.gov/seki/naturescience/animals.htm
The Virtual Nature Trail direct link http://www.psu.edu/dept/nkbiology/naturetrail/
Drops:
If you decide not to continue in the class, it is your responsibility to see the admissions and
records office to formally withdraw from the course. Note that A&R will issue no refunds
after the first class meeting.
If, for whatever reason, you can not attend please let your instructors know so we can add
students who may be on the course waiting list.
Make-ups:
Because this course is designed around specific events and dates, make-ups will not be
possible. We may be able to help you if you miss an on-campus meeting. You should
contact your instructors as soon as you become aware of any potential schedule conflicts or if you miss a class session.
Special Circumstances:
If you know of any circumstances, disabilities or medical conditions which may be of
concern, require special attention or could otherwise pose some difficulty for you in this
class, please let your instructors know on the first class meeting. This includes, but is not
limited to letting us know if you are taking any medications or have any special dietary
restrictions or known allergies. This information is not requested to exclude anyone from
participating but to help ensure our trip is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Field Studies Program
Student Safety Guidelines
1. While in the field, students are to stay with the group, and not wander off by themselves.
2. While in the field, each student will pick a partner, and each student will be responsible
for keeping track of his/her partner while in the field.
3. Each student is responsible for having a personal first aid kit.
4. Each student must have a flashlight.
5. Students must be sitting down and wearing seat belts when traveling in the vehicles.
6. During the field classes, consumption of alcoholic beverages or use of non-prescription
drugs is against District policy, and is grounds for dismissal from the field program.
7. When driving with the group, students are to follow behind the lead vehicle, and not drop
behind the tail vehicle, unless instructed otherwise. Students are expected to drive at or
below the posted speed limits and to follow all traffic laws.
8. While in National and State Parks, students must obey laws stated in the parks.
9. All students must show proof of medical insurance prior to the trip.
10. Student drivers must show proof of insurance that covers any passengers in the vehicles.
11. Students who do not follow the rules of this class will be dropped from the class. If this
happens in the field, a dropped student will be responsible for finding his/her own
transportation home.
12. Students may choose not to participate in any specific field activity without being dropped
from the class.
13. Students are requested to treat the other participants in the class with respect; please
refrain from hazing, harassing, or joking with other students in an inappropriate, unsafe or
disrespectful manner.
Itinerary (Subject to Change and Availability):
Thursday, JAN 13TH - Sunday, JAN 21ST, 2011
Thurs
Jan 6th
Thurs
Jan 13th
Fri
Sat
6/9
6/10
Orientation on Campus
Arrive at 6:00 a.m. and Leave Gavilan 7:00 a.m.
Gavilan → Motel 6, in beautiful Barstow, California.
Leave Barstow early morning → Arrive Zion National Park early
afternoon.
Set-up camp, visit the Visitors Center; and if time and energy allow,
hike Watchman (2.5 mi/4.0 km).
Weeping Rock, an easy and self-guided walk, then on to Observation
Point. It may seem like a long hike but the view is worth the effort and
we pass through biomes quite different from the canyon floor. Bring
extra water on this one. (8.0 mi/12.9 km)
Zion Park Museum.
Fri
6/11
Mt Carmel Highway, Checkerboard Mesa, and Canyon Overlook (an
easy 1 mi/1.6 km hike).
Walter’s Wiggles and Angel’s Landing - those leery of heights may be
excused from attempting the ‘Landing.’ (5.5 mi/8.9km).
Sat
6/12
Regroup and recoup at Zion Lodge (Ice cream!).
Want more? Emerald Pools. (Lower pool 1.2 mi/1.9 km, upper pools 3.2
mi/5.2 km)
Sun
6/13
The Narrows! This is a must-see when visiting Zion. A change of pace
and a marvelous, if wet, walk up Zion Canyon and the Virgin River.
Bring a walking stick for this one.
On the way back - Zion Lodge. (Ice cream or souvenirs?)
Mon
6/14
Sun
Jan 16th
Fri
Jan 21st
Last day in the Park! Breakfast and pack lunch, then break camp.
Leave nothing but footprints. Last chance for ... ?
Leave early afternoon → Motel 6, back in Barstow and California
Yosemite → Gavilan
.
Back home! Unpack and clean out vans, say goodbye until next time!
Final Exams Due.