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Geography 384 Landscape Ecology Fall 2009

INSTRUCTOR:               Dr. Joy Wolf
CLASS TIME:                 Tues: 2:00 – 5:00pm
TELEPHONE                  595-3221
EMAIL:                            wolf@uwp.edu
OFFICE:                          Molinaro 247
OFFICE HRS:                 T: 10-11a, Th: 1-2p, or by appt

Landscape ecology is the study of how spatial patterns affect ecosystem processes and how ecological and geological processes can influence natural patterns. We will build upon the basics of biogeography and ecology to examine ways in which spatial heterogeneity is interpreted and the impact of human modification in a landscape. For instance, how do species respond to such modifications? What do we know from research in landscape ecology to manage landscapes? Why do we want to manage a landscape?

Photos from previous classes!

Required Text: Landscape Ecology in Theory and Practice: Pattern and Process.

Turner, M. G., R. H. Gardner, and R. V. O’Neill. Springer-Verlag, New York. 401 p.

Required Lab Manual: Learning Landscape Ecology: A Practical Guide to Concepts and Techniques.

S. E. Gergel and M. G. Turner, eds. Springer Verlag.

*some lab assignments will be given as homework.

Grading is based on two exams (40 %), 7 out of 9 lab exercises (25 %), lead discussion on research paper (15 %), research discussion participation (15 %), and class participation/attendance (5 %).

Prerequisite: GEOG 100, GEOG 326, or a course that focuses on ecology or biology; OR instructor’s consent.

The course is based on lectures, labs, article discussions and field trips. Here are some photographs of a past field trip. Hawthorn Hollow - Spring 2004

Lecture/Discussion. Each student will develop a lecture/discussion/critical review from pertinent peer-reviewed articles that focuses on key concepts and current issues in landscape ecology. Students will select a topic, research the literature (two approved articles on the issue) and lead the class in a discussion. Your discussion will include an introduction (what you are going to talk about and why do we care about the topic), and its relationship to landscape ecology. You should discuss methods used (from the literature), results, the importance of spatial pattern and dynamics, and implications for the future. Possible topics are listed below.

ALL students will read the articles so that everyone can participate in the discussion. As lead discussants, you have the option of working in groups of two students. This may not be a viable option if your work schedule does not permit it or you simply do not play well with others. Topics need to be approved by February 21^st. No two individuals/groups can pick the same topic. First requested, first approved.

Helpful Links

• International Association of Landscape Ecologists

• Some of the journals that contribute to landscape ecology issues are Landscape Ecology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, and Journal of Biogeography to name a few.

Lecture/Discussion. Each student will develop a short introduction, lead a class discussion, and follow with a critical review from pertinent peer-reviewed articles that focuse on key concepts and current issues in landscape ecology. Students will select a topic, research the literature (two approved articles) and lead the class in a discussion. Your discussion will include an introduction (what you are going to talk about and the significance of the topic), and its relationship to landscape ecology. You should discuss methods from the literature, results, the importance of spatial pattern and dynamics, and implications for the future.

ALL students will read the articles so that everyone can participate in the discussion. Topics need to be approved by February 21^st. No two individuals can pick the same topic. First requested, first approved.

Some possible landscape ecology topics/issues. Check the textbook for other ideas:

· Quantifying the effects of habitat fragmentation or loss (in general or specific plant or animal).

· Are National Parks or USFS Lands of sufficient size to sustain biotic populations and natural processes over the long term? Or Conservation Reserve Design (general concepts, case studies)

· Related to above –topics could be chosen for a particular animal species with large home ranges (such as bison, wolf, cougar, etc.); or process, such as fire, and size of natural fires.

· Spatial pattern and landscape disturbances– fires, hurricanes, windstorms. Resulting vegetation patterns, cover types, different stages of recovery, homogeneous vs. heterogeneous landscapes, etc.

· Urban planning to retain open space (“greenways”), land left intentionally as fields and forests, while other areas are developed for homes and businesses.

· Quantifying and mediating the effects of exotic plant species invasion in an area.

· Metapopulation models for a specific plant or animal species: what are they and how they work

· Dispersal and migration of plants and animals; use of corridors, landscape connectivity.

· Spatial pattern (heterogeneous vs. homogeneous landscapes) and dispersal ability of predator and prey

· Use of landscape ecology in aquatic ecology – study of riffle, cobble, and sandy substrates within stream systems, patch distribution of fish

· Effects of alternative harvesting regimes for landscape patterns and processes; or the effect on a specific animal or plant species.

· Quantifying land-use change, both the composition and resulting pattern (changes in vegetation, species, disturbance regimes, water flow, settlement patterns, corridors.) –case studies include Everglades, Mississippi River, Front Range of Colorado.

Lecture Schedule and Assigned Readings

Please Note: During the course of this semester, the schedule may change if the opportunity of a field trip to a prescribed burn becomes available. This will be weather dependent.

Week	Topics *all lab assignments are due the following week they are assigned	Text/Lab Chapter
Sept 8	Introduction to Landscape Ecology Landscape Principles	Text: Ch 1
Sept 15	The Concept of Scale Lab Assignment: Scale / Hierarchy Theory, Read Ch 2 for content	Text: Ch 2 Lab: Ch 1 and 2
Sept 22	Patch Dynamics, Edges and Ecotones Introduction to Models Lab Assignment: Intro to GIS	Article Text: Ch 3 Lab: Ch 3
Sept 29	Causes of Landscape Pattern Lab Assignment: Simulating Changes in Landscape Pattern LAB 3 Assigned. Spatial Lab	Text: Ch 4 Lab: Ch 5
Oct 6	Quantifying Landscape Pattern (Read Lab Ch 7, 8, 10 for content) Mosaics/Networks Lab Assignment: Creating Landscape Pattern	Text: Ch 5 Lab: Ch 7, 8, 10 Lab: Ch 6
Oct 13	Lab 4 Presentations
Oct 20	Midterm
Oct 27	Neutral Landscape Models (Read Lab Ch 9 and Ch 15 for content) Student Discussion of Article (2)	Text: Ch 6 Lab: Ch 9 & 15
Nov 3	Landscape Disturbance Dynamics Read Lab Ch 11 for content Student Discussion of Article (1)	Text: Ch 7 Lab: Ch 11
Nov 10	Organisms and Landscape Pattern Lab Assignment: Interpreting Landscape Patterns from Organism-based Perspectives Student Discussion of Articles (2)	Text: Ch 8 Lab: Ch 13
Nov 17	Organisms and Landscape Pattern, Continued Lab Assignment: Landscape Context Lab Assignment: Individual-Based Modeling: Bachman’s Sparrow	Lab: Ch 14 & 16
Nov 24	Lab Ch 13, 14, 16 Presentations Ecosystem Processes in the Landscape, Part 1 Student Discussion of Articles (2)	Text: Ch 9
Dec 1	Ecosystem Processes in the Landscape, Part 2 Student Discussion of Articles (1) Lab Assignment: Feedbacks in Organisms & Ecosystem Processes Read Lab Ch 17 for content	Text: Ch 9 Lab: Ch 18
Dec 8	Applied Landscape Ecology Student Discussion of Articles (2) Lab Assignment: Reserve Design	Text: Ch 10 Lab: Ch 19
Dec 15	Student Discussion of Articles (3)
Dec 22	Final Exam: 3:30 – 5:30p