ESM 545 Old-growth Forest Ecology

Exploration of the ecological characteristics of west-side old-growth forests, including their outstanding biodiversity. Landscape level aspects of forest ecosystems, including the role of fire; plus the use of basic forestry measurements to contrast old-growth, second-growth, and plantation stands of trees. Emphasizing field study, this eight-day course is based at an off-campus location for easy access to forest ecosystems. Field site costs in addition to tuition. Also offered for undergraduate-level credit as ESM 445 and may be taken only once for credit. Recommended prerequisite: upper-division or graduate standing required and an undergraduate sequence in biology.