COURSES

 Fall Semesters

In this wetland science course we discuss the ecology, biology, delineation, and management of wetlands. The lectures and discussions are complemented by frequent field trips to a variety of wetlands to discuss their natural history and classification. The first few weeks of the course include an emphasis on identification of common wetland plants and delineation procedures. Students also spend a significant amount of time conducting field work for a semester-long project that they work on independently or in a small group.

Fall Semester

This course focuses on the natural history of major and minor plant communities of the Upper Great Lakes region, with an emphasis on the identification and ecology of woody plant species we observe during weekly fieldtrips. Students use taxonomic keys and learn ~80-100 tree and shrub species (common and scientific names) during leaf-on and winter twig stages. 

May-term

This course introduces students to the tools required to identify and voucher the flowering plants of the Great Lakes region.  We travel to a range of habitat types throughout the Northwoods, with students learning ~100 plant species by common and scientific name by the end of May-term.   We also spend 1-2 days assisting with plant restoration projects in the region (e.g., sandscape restoration on Apostle Islands and garlic mustard control at Copper Falls State Park).  We camp out during the second week of class when we travel to southern Wisconsin (usually to Wyalusing State Park and to Devils Lake State Park and surrounding natural areas).

Fall Semester

This course introduces students to the natural history, conservation, and restoration of the region’s natural resources.  Students will observe patterns of biodiversity, discuss life history characteristics of key species, and connect these observations to the historic and current forces driving ecological change and conservation efforts throughout the Lake Superior watershed. Emphasis is placed on project-based learning, analysis of biological data, and science writing.

Winter Semester

This course is an introduction to the anatomy, morphology, development and reproduction of plants and animals.  In addition, we  investigate characteristics taxonomists use to distinguish among the different plant and animal groups.  We explore plant and animal adaptations and trade-offs. This course is divided into two halves, with Dr. Johnson teaching the first half of the semester pertaining to plant structures, functions, and diversity (botany).