Southern Appalachian Ecology
October 24 - 26, 2008
October 16 - 18, 2009

Learn about the ecology of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, through discussions and field trips. Topics will include geological history, plant community distribution, how aspect, elevation, and moisture gradients affect distribution, and an overview of plant communities with a focus on the major forest types. Field trips will include visits to examples of many of these forest types. Visit our web site to learn about the pre-homework activities and reading necessary for this course. The goal of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge of plant communities and the factors that affect their distribution. 2008 cost: $250 per person	Back to SANCP Main
Specific objectives of this course are: 1. To provide a practical application of ecological theory as it applies to plant community distribution. 2. To introduce the student to key primary sources of literature regarding plant communities in the Southern Appalachians and to assist the student in his/her understanding of those resources. 3. To introduce the student to the impacts of non-native species on the plant communities in GSMNP. 4. To introduce the student to major plant communities within GSMNP and to their compositional flora. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Describe how geology and glaciation affected the present day plant communities seen in the Southern Appalachians. 2. Describe how abiotic factors (aspect, elevation, temperature, and moisture) affect the vegetational communities within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 3. Describe Whitaker’s system for classifying plant communities in Great Smoky Mountains National park and how it can be used. 4. Describe how exotic species are affecting the Southern Appalachian Mountains 5. Identify major plant communities and forest types along with their indicator species.

Sample Schedule

Friday

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Check-in and get settled

6:00 p.m. Supper

7:00 p.m. All Workshop Welcome and Introductions

7:30 p.m. Group Welcome & Introduction to Southern Appalachian Ecology

Overview of geologic history, human history and impacts, and forest types. Activity: Using topographic maps as a tool for determining location of forest types.

8:30 p.m. The Naturalist’s Journal

A brief introduction to the importance of journal-keeping for a practicing naturalist followed by crafting your own journal.           

 Saturday

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast and pack sack lunch

9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Visiting the Forest(s)

Field trip to Cove Hardwood, Northern Hardwood, and Spruce-Fir forest types. A van trip will take us to the highest reaches of the Smokies with multiple stops along the way. We’ll identify trees, plants, birds, amphibians and any other living thing we find along the way. We’ll create plot samples in at least two forest types to inventory them and determine their biodiversity. Bring water, a raincoat, and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty in.

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Break - Time to Relax!

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Dinner

7:00 p.m. Homework

Forest Management: how do we tackle threats to Southern Appalachian biodiversity?

8:00 p.m. Campfire Tunes and Tales

Join us around the campfire for a relaxing evening of great songs and stories.  Refreshments provided.

 Sunday

5:30 a.m. Dawn Chorus with Amber Parker (optional)

An early morning foray into the forest in search of the dawn chorus. This wonderful event happens every spring morning as each species of bird begins its day’s song at a particular moment in time. We’ll listen as the birds warm up and use our ears to better understand them.

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast and pack sack lunch

9:00 a.m. - noon Homework follow-up

Discussion of forest management challenges. Putting map-reading skills to the test: locating a Pine/Oak forest. Discussion of Hemlock Forests

12:30 p.m. Wrap-up and Evaluations

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