EVSP506  - Restoration Ecology

This course will examine the concept of restoration ecology, which employs science, applied techniques, and environmental design principles to restore ecological processes and biological communities on disturbed, degraded, or altered landscapes. Students will conduct scientific study and explore techniques used in restoring endangered species, native prairie, rare plants, riparian areas, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, watersheds, woodlands, and wildlife habitat. Course Objectives: • Explain the philosophy, scientific foundation, and challenges of restoration ecology. • Apply the principles of restoration ecology through the development of a detailed restoration plan. • Analyze habitat requirements, ecosystem function, and anthropocentric influences to determine the restoration approach for a species or population. • Assess the various scales of restoration (organism to landscape) to develop a holistic approach to ecosystem restoration and management. • Analyze the impacts and threat of climate change on ecosystems.