2008 Environmental/Adirondack Studies Residency

PRE-RESIDENCY COURSES

Ecology walk at Camp Huntington

ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD OBSERVATION
(2 credits, introductory, Natural Science)
Instructor: Nikki Shrimpton

This study allows students to learn, and practice, techniques for observing and recording ecosystem features and processes. Students also learn about the methods ecologists use to answer questions about the natural environment. Student groups will engage in several field exercises to investigate the different ecosystems present at camp – forest, bog, meadow and lake. Each student will complete a final paper focusing on one of the topics introduced at the residency. Students can elect to participate for credit, or as noncredit observers. The time at the pre-residency is spent mostly out in the field. Students must have the ability to undertake at least two miles of hiking on forest trails. This course fully satisfies the general education requirement in natural sciences.
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RUMINATIONS ON DEER
(2 credits, advanced, Humanities)
Instructor: William J. Ehmann

From our backyards to our grocery stores, and from insurance company board rooms to Camp Huntington/ Raquette Lake, deer are inextricably part of our lives. This advanced level pre-residency course explores persistent ecological, cultural, and spiritual connections between humans and deer in North America, including indigenous and immigrant points of view. The dominant learning mode will be group discussions supplemented by lecture segments, video presentations and brief field walks. Describing deer is different than the essence of deer, but students will engage in a suite of class experiences to get close to this essence. Learning activities include online discussions of our text prior to the residency; oral and written work at the pre-residency itself; and a final paper. This course meets the general education requirement in the Humanities.
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WATERSHEDS OF THE ADIRONDACKS
(2 credits, advanced, Natural Science)
Instructor: Marlene (Chris) Evans

This course will use map study and other sources to examine the natural characteristics of the five watersheds (drainage basins) of the Adirondacks that attract recreational use and development. Watershed formation and function will be explored, as will drainage basin characteristics, including the role of topography and man-made alterations. We will conduct aerial observation via a short seaplane ride over selected lake systems of central Adirondacks, which will require an additional $50.00 fee. This course is limited to five students, who must sign a waiver.
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