Field Station Natural History Workshops -- Winter & Spring 2012
Ecology and Physiology of Plants in Winter: Surviving the Big Chill
January 6 & 7 (Friday & Saturday)
Instructor: Dr. James Reinartz , Director, UWM Field Station is a plant ecologist and evolutionary biologist.
The Course: The plants of temperate and boreal regions have several anatomical and physiological adaptations that allow them to survive low temperatures. Minimum temperatures set the range limits for many species, and snow and ice loading can be important constraints on the morphology of northern trees. Some woody plants can photosynthesize in the winter, which is also an important time for seed dispersal. This workshop will explore all of the aspects of plant life in the winter, especially what is known about the special adaptations that allow northern plants to survive the freezing and drought associated with extreme cold. We also spend some time learning the basic characteristics used to identify woody plants in the winter.
Recommended materials: : Hand lens and field clothing. Workshop fee includes a winter fruit and twig key which will be provided.
Creative Writing About the Natural World
April 20 & 21 (Friday & Saturday)
Instructor: Dr. Mary Linton is a wetland ecologist and aquatic biologist with special interest in the predators of wetland communities, particularly amphibians, dragonflies and damselflies, and aquatic beetles. Dr. Linton's ecological articles have appeared in numerous journals including Evolution, Ecology, and the American Naturalist, as well as popular magazines. Her poetry has appeared in many literary journals including Appalachia, Blueline, and Seeding the Snow.
The Course: Persuasive communication about the natural world comes in many forms and the scientific paper is only one of those forms. This course will give students, even those who write little, many opportunities to write creative non-fiction about the particular ecosystems found at the UWM Field Station. Class time will be divided between time spent investigating field phenomena (bogs, fields, forests, ponds, nighttime biology) and time spent reflecting and writing about those phenomena. Writing time will be focused on poetry, including haiku, and the personal essay. If interest is sufficient, we may also pursue micro fiction. Students need no prior experience in ecology or writing to benefit from this course. All levels of expertise are encouraged to enroll.
Recommended materials: Wear appropriate field clothing and shoes. Bring along any of the following if you have them: hand lens, close-focusing binoculars, net, small clear plastic containers for holding live specimens, camera for close-up photography, shoulder bag or knap-sack and water bottle. Bring any field guides you enjoy for wetland plants, birds, wildflowers of Wisconsin, trees, and ferns. Of the essence is that you bring a hearty notebook for writing, several writing utensils, and your imagination. The notebook will contain your field notes and writing exercises. I use a standard 100-page composition book that can be purchased at the UWM bookstore or at almost any store with writing supplies (box stores, local office supply stores, etc.). Examples of good nature writing will be provided.