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About the Course

Ideal for students who may be interested in a career in environmental conservation, this course will provide a feeling for the type of work that environmental scientists conduct. The ecology of suburban environments is often overlooked as more work is done in ��򽴫ý�pristine��򽴫ý� areas. However, despite their higher levels of human influence, the suburbs support a diverse array of plants and animals. This provides a unique stage for study as there are extensive interactions between humans and nature in the suburbs.

To study this dynamic relationship this course will be divided into three sections: plants, animals, and habitats; environmental threats; and habitat management. Each section will include lectures, readings, and extensive field activities.

Objectives

• Identify plants, animals, and ecosystems found throughout the lower Hudson Valley through the use of keys and identification Apps.
• Analyze and understand threats to the suburban environment through field trips.
• Measure the impacts of threats such as invasive species, water pollution, and habitat degradation.
• Gain firsthand experience with the tools and techniques used by environmental scientists to study and protect this unique landscape

Course Enhancements

• Field surveys for rare species.
• Management of invasive plants.
• Habitat restoration projects.

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Sample Calendar

Week 1

• Ecology of suburban areas
• Analysis of extensive interactions between humans and nature in the suburbs
• Field study exploration of local environment

Week 2

• Study of environmental threats; and habitat management
• Measure impact of invasive species and water pollution
• Visit to local conservation organization to help address specific environmental threats