Alpine Field Studies
Environmental Studies 395 - 2 credits, $550
This class, along with Bear Ground, is soon to be replaced with "Carnivores and Communities," an interdisciplinary summer field program involving students in the study of threatened and endangered species such as lynx and grizzly bear, and the challenges for their recovery in rural landscapes.
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Alpine Field Studies is not offered in 2007 |
Course Description
During our Alpine Field Studies course, you will assist NwC with evaluating whitebark pine forests for the purpose of restoring this keystone species in the Northern Rockies. This course is taught entirely in the back country during a moderately strenuous backpacking trip. Guest speakers augment our daily field learning sessions. You will gain substantial knowledge of the natural history of sub-alpine environments including plant identification, animal sign and bird recognition. Using the vantage point of our high elevation setting, we will study the concept of connectivity between ecological reserves and will focus on the current issue of grizzly bear conservation in the Swan Valley. We will also discuss the role of communities in conservation.
Readings
The Alpine Field Studies reader includes readings by Kate Kendall and Steve Arno on whitebark pine communities, readings by Chris Servheen and Rick Mace on grizzly bear conservation in the Swan, readings by Ed Foss and Bud Cheff on the history of the Swan and selections from Reed Noss and John Weaver on conservation biology and the Northern Rockies. Readings from Barb Cestero and Don Snow concerning community collaboration on public lands will also be included.
Course Itinerary
Day 1 -- 10am Meet @ Swan Ecosystem Center, Swan Valley
Introductions
Safety Talk/Gear Check
Hike into base camp
Evening Program:
"Leave no trace camping"
Day 2 -- Geography of the Swan Valley
Morning Field Session: Orienteering/Map and Compass
Afternoon Field Session: Whitebark Pine Stand Inventory
Evening Program:
"The Role of Fire in Western Montana" -- Steve Barrett
Day 3 -- Forest Habitats
Morning Field Session: Tree and shrub I.D.
Afternoon Session: Whitebark Pine Stand Inventory
Evening Program:
"Grizzly Bears in the Swan" -- Tom Parker shares his understanding from 20+ years of observing grizzlies in this area.
Day 4 -- Whitebark Pine Ecology
Morning Session: Habitat Typing
Afternoon Session: Whitebark Pine Stand Inventory
Evening Program: "Issues of Multiple Ownership and affects on wildlife"-- Vernon La Fontaine, FS wildlife biologist in the Swan Valley
Day 5 -- Wildlife Linkages
Morning Session: Animal Track and Sign I.D.
Afternoon: Whitebark Pine Stand Inventory
Day 6 -- Conservation Biology
Morning Session: Whitebark Pine Stand Inventory
Afternoon Session: Read and discuss readings in conservation biology
Day 7 -- Course Conclusion
Morning Session: Final assignment and course evaluation
Afternoon: Return to Condon and conclude course.