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Southern Appalachian Ecology
September 21-23, 2012
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.
Goal:
To provide students with a basic knowledge of plant communities and the factors that affect their distribution.
Cost: $302 per person
TEACHERS: After attending this program, when you bring your school group you will qualify to come free and your students will get $8 off the price of a three day or longer experience.
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.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received at least 30 days before the program start date may transfer all but $50 to another program*; 15-29 days before the program start date, transfer all but $75 to another program*; 0-14 days before the program start date, no refund or transfer for any reason. No exceptions.
If you’re interested in trip cancellation insurance, we recommend Travel Guard: 800-826-4919 or www.TravelGuard.com.
* Transfers must be used by the end of the following year.