Hastings Natural History Reservation

25 Jan, 04 PM - 29 Jan, 04 PM

Hastings Our course compares coastal and desert ecosystems. We examine how California's natural history, resource availability and historic land use have shaped current and regional attitudes toward conservation. The Reserve system provides us with a living laboratory for our explorations and discussions. The students are focusing on four questions at each of five reserves. 1) what are the dominant species characteristic of each system and how does the environment shape their habit? 2) what environment al and biological factors limit plant and animal distributions in each ecosystem? 3) how have people utilized resources in each ecosystem, from pre-historical through contemporary time? 4) how have past and current levels of resource availability affected conservation attitudes in each area? Water availability and development will be a re-occurring theme in our discussions.Methods: Students will become familiar with the natural history of each area through a combination of lectures, discussions and personal contact. During day hikes, we will observe the regional flora and fauna. At Hastings, students will become familiar with the local landscape and current research endeavors. Students will be assigned readings and participate in discussions about resource use and conservation issues. It is also our hope that reserve managers and s tewards will provide regional environmental perspective regarding water development, agriculture, cattle ranches or oil drilling. We will not manipulate, collect or introduce any species. We will hike and travel on the reserve. We hope that Mark and various researchers can give us perspective regarding careers and opportunities in environmental studies or biological research. Finally, if they can we would enjoy having Mark or the reserve steward accompany us on trips to local areas. Accomodations- We hope to stay in the Bunk House and Ranch House.

Visit #610 @Hastings Natural History Reservation

Approved

Under Project # 565 | Class

Gustavus Adolphus College - Department of Biology

faculty - Gustavus Adolphus College

Reservation Members(s)

Group of 3 Faculty Jan 25 - 29, 2003 (5 days)
Group of 12 Undergraduate Student Jan 25 - 29, 2003 (5 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Bunk House Cottage 15 Jan 25 - 29, 2003
Ranch House 15 Jan 25 - 29, 2003