We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Wendy Klooster will be teaching our Forest Management course this May Session on our Great Lakes campus. Wendy is an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University and a former student, intern, and employee of Au Sable Institute. She has studied tree growth, physiology, and ecology throughout her graduate and post-graduate research programs.
Dr. Robert Ddamulira, a researcher at the Center for Energy & Environmental Policy in the Biden School at the University of Delaware, will also assist with instruction of the course. Robert brings extensive professional experience in areas of consulting and training about land use and environmental sustainability as well as personal experience managing 10 acres of mixed forest on land reclaimed from sugar cane production
The proper management of forests as natural stands or cultivated plantations presents important opportunities for both humans and nature. Forests contain the highest number of plant and animal species on the planet and studies show that the mismanagement of forests could lead to more zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19 as well as exacerbating the catastrophic impacts climate change. Furthermore, forests have recently received increased attention for their role as carbon sinks to mitigate catastrophic climate change.
Au Sable’s Great Lakes Campus is well-situated amongst diverse forest communities, ranging from southern hardwood oak-hickory forest in southern Michigan to northern hardwood (beech-maple) forests in northern lower Michigan to boreal forests in Michigan’s upper peninsula. In addition to many forested areas managed for timber and wood-product production, Michigan also boasts extensive forest preserves in state and national parks and national wildlife refuges that provide illustration of and insight into the functioning of various forest systems in a natural state.
Utilizing this wealth of ‘outdoor classrooms’ in conjunction with guest speakers and a technology-assisted ‘global classroom,’ students will gain new insights into sustainable forest management which strives towards reconciling the economic, ecological, social, cultural and spiritual interests in forests.
This course will provide diverse perspectives and expertise that will prepare students desiring to work in the field of forest and wildlife management; recreation and natural area management; as well as those seeking to integrate sustainable forestry considerations in their various professions and vocations.
There are several spots still available in this course, so enroll today!