Conservation Biology

Biol/geog 471 - Great lakes - Summer Session I

Principles of conservation biology with applications to sustainable human society and biospheric integrity. An integrative approach to biology and society that interrelates population biology, ecological principles, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem functions, and human society in the context of biospheric degradation. The course develops a stewardship perspective rooted in biological principles and directed at conservation of plant and animal species, biotic communities, ecosystems, and human society. Included are topics of human development, poverty, and economic growth. Prerequisite: one year in biology and one course in ecology, or permission of professor. (4 credits)

Field, Applied

Professor: Dr. Vern Peters (odd years), Dr. Eli Knapp (even years)

Meets: Tuesday & Thursday

Knowledge gained

Biblical foundation for conservation biology

Value measurement of biodiversity

Ecological processes that maintain biodiversity

Major threats to biodiversity

Incentive mechanisms for conservation

Endangered species management

Managing biodiversity in anthropogenic landscapes

Legal foundations for conservation

Ethical frameworks for conservation

Skills developed

Sampling & measuring biodiversity

Population modeling & variability analysis

Adaptive management

Principles of reserve design

Assessing genetic health and status

Conducting public surveys on conservation value

field experiences

Great Lakes shoreline ecosystems (IS)

Antrim County Natural Area: Threatened plant census

Kirtland's Warbler Management Area

Agriculture Conservation with Natural Resources Conservation Service

Refitt Preserve with Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

Jordan River Valley Fish Hatchery

Boardman River Restoration Project

Grass River Natural Area

Hartwick Pines State Forest - Forest Management