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WETLANDS ECOLOGY - BIO 491
DR. TODD HURD - SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY

PLEASE NOTE: This course is anticipated to be structured as a typical three week face-to-face summer course. However, there is a possibility it will change to a hybrid model depending on COVID-19 restrictions. ​

Course Description:

Wetlands Ecology will examine wetland classification, wetland hydrology, nutrient cycling, succession, wetland wildlife management, and wetland construction/restoration. Diverse wetland ecosystems are examined relative to geographical extent, geomorphology, hydrology, chemistry, ecosystem structure, and ecosystem function. Wetlands investigated or visited will include estuaries, tidal freshwater marshes, inland freshwater marshes, peatlands, forested swamps, and riparian wetlands. Activity will include a combination of classroom (40-50%) and field experiences (50-60%), including trips to diverse coastal and inland wetlands and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
  • Wetland delineation with component wetland plant and hydric soil identification
  • Field sampling techniques (plot and transect sampling, water and sediment sampling, groundwater well/piezo measurement and interpretation )
  • Exposure to wildlife management and restoration/construction approaches (USFWS refuge installations)
  • Laboratory techniques (e.g. fluorescence spectroscopy for chlorophyll and hydrocarbons, microscopy for invertebrate ID)

General Description of Field Activities: 
  • Students will learn to recognize or sample key wetland indicators (hydrophytes, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology) in coastal wetlands and develop a project of their choosing
  • A rare wetland community type (Atlantic White Cedar Swamp at a local TNC preserve) and National Wildlife Refuge will be visited to consider field approaches to wetland conservation and wildlife management
  • Water and sediment will be sampled to assess environmental quality at some sites

Approximate Amount of Course Time Spent in Field:
50-60%


Prerequisites:    
Introductory Earth or Life Science classes, or by permission.

Required Textbook or Supplies:    
1) Tiner, Ralph. In Search of Swampland, 2nd Edition (2005). Rutgers Univ. Press. pp. 352. ISBN - 10:0870333518; ISBN - 13:978-0870333514 (required)

2) White, Christopher. Chesapeake Bay: Nature of the Estuary: A Field Guide Paperback, 1st Edition (1989). Schiffer Publishing. pp. 224. ISBN - 10:0870333518; ISBN - 13:978-0870333514 (Required)


Rite in Rain Notebook, Bug Spray, Cheap/Old sneakers and clothing for wet wading (2 pair sneakers ideal), sunscreen, hat, rain coat.


Number of Students:
6-14

2021 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:

Traditional 3 week course: $1,454.50 
Hybrid course: $650 ​
 
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the Board of Directors
* Does not include university tuition or fees. For specific policy on CBFS fees, click HERE. ​
Register for Summer 2021
Example Syllabus
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  • HOME
  • University & Research
    • SUMMER COURSES >
      • REGISTRATION & FEES
      • STUDENT LIFE
    • FIELD TRIPS >
      • FACILITIES
      • ACTIVITIES & SITES
      • FIELD TRIP FEES
    • RESEARCH >
      • STUDENT RESEARCH
      • FACULTY & INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
    • Alternative Spring Break
  • PROGRAMS
    • SCHOOL PROGRAMS >
      • GENERAL INFO
      • CLASSES
      • OUTREACH
      • FAQ
      • FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
    • YOUTH CAMPS >
      • DAY CAMPS
      • OVERNIGHT CAMPS
      • CAMP ACTIVITIES
      • FAQ
    • ROAD SCHOLAR >
      • Bicycling the Eastern Shore of Virginia
      • Birding Virginia's Eastern Shore
      • Discover the Islands of Virginia's Eastern Shore
      • Kayaking the Eastern Shore
      • Share a Marine Science Adventure with your Grandchild
    • FAMILY CAMPS
    • FRIDAY ADVENTURE SERIES >
      • FRIDAY ADVENTURE SERIES BIKE TOUR
      • FRIDAY ADVENTURE SERIES KAYAKING
      • MARSH MYSTERIES CLASS
      • INTERTIDAL EXPLORERS
    • HOMESCHOOL
    • CUSTOM PROGRAMS
    • SCOUTS
    • COMMUNITY PROGRAMS >
      • SPARK CREEKWATCHERS
      • FAMILY LEARNING/FAMILY FUN DAYS
      • HISTORY OF SPARK
    • TEACHER WORKSHOPS
    • SPECIAL EVENTS >
      • PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMIT
      • COILED BASKETRY WORKSHOP
      • SERVING UP THE SHORE
      • MARSH FEST
  • ABOUT US
    • STAFF/CONTACT US
    • RENTALS
    • EMPLOYMENT
    • INTERNSHIPS
    • KIDS TO CAMP SCHOLARSHIP
    • BLOG
    • 50 Years >
      • Donate for the 50th
      • History
    • MEMBER UNIVERSITIES
    • CAMPUS
  • DONATE NOW
    • WAYS TO SUPPORT US