Forests

Forests are fundamentally important biomes for planet earth. We will explore forests from an ecological, biogeochemical, and environmental studies perspective. Students will learn: quantitative approaches and tools in forest measurements; foundational concepts in forest ecology and interactions among forest organisms, major biomes, plant identification, and community types in forests of the northwest, and major concepts in biogeochemistry and human interactions with forests through management and alteration of global carbon cycles. We will also hold a weekly seminar on books that address human interactions with forests, and especially in the Northwest. The texts will cover forest ecology concepts, forest science and forest genetics, environmental history of Pacific Northwest forests, and global issues in forest management and conservation. We will have two multi-day field trips throughout the quarter to forested sites on both the east and west sides of the Cascade Mountains. During each trip, students will gain hands-on experience measuring forest attributes in a variety of different ecosystems. This program will also include weekly day trips where we will use local forests, and The Evergreen State College Ecological Observation Network (EEON), to refine skills in measuring forests and detecting change using long-term data in forest ecosystems. Scientific writing, quantitative skills, work with common computer software, field skills, and presentation/communication skills will all be emphasized.