ENV 265 - Ecological Restoration

Ecological restoration seeks to aid ecosystems and their associated species in recovery after human-caused disturbance or degradation. While the process of ecological restoration is often focused on the recovery of degraded ecosystems, in this class we will broaden the scope to include speciesspecific restoration. Students will explore the biological and ecological foundations of restoration as well as the practical considerations of planning and implementing restoration projects, and what makes restoration projects succeed or fail. Special attention will be granted to ecological restoration in the context of sustainability and climate change. Students will also engage with the political and social aspects of restoration project development and implementation. Class content includes lecture, peer-to-peer teaching, review and discussion of scientific literature and restoration project planning documents, field trips to local restoration projects, guest speakers involved in ecological restoration programs, and team development of restoration planning documents. Limited (1-3) day-long field trips are required. Students may receive credit for only one the courses. Cross-Listed: Cross-listed with BIO 265. Course Typically Offered: Every 2 to 3 years.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 212 or permission of the instructor.

Credits: 4