Winter 2015 quarter
The field of restoration ecology is fairly young, relative to other scientific disciplines. However, ecological restoration has occurred throughout human history, as various cultures have initially disrupted and then attempted to recover vital ecosystem services provided by intact, functioning ecosystems. Identifying priority restoration targets for nearly any ecosystem is one of the largest challenges for the conservation community, as it requires a complex understanding of the historical, social, political and ecological influences on restoration success. This course will explore both the objective and the subjective facets of restoration ecology, including various cultural perspectives on the value of restoration, how economic and political realities influence restoration targets, and the integrated structural and functional components of ecosystems that contribute to the success or failure of any restoration project. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate several large-scale restoration projects throughout the world and take part in active ecological restoration here in the Pacific Northwest.
“Here is the means to end the great extinction spasm. The next century will, I believe, be the era of restoration in ecology.” – E.O. Wilson
Sarah Hamman, Ph. D., is the Restoration Ecologist for the Center for Natural Lands Management. Her work is aimed at restoring rare species habitat in PNW prairies using rigorous science and careful conservation planning. Sarah holds a B.A. in Biology from Wittenberg University and a Ph.D. in Ecology from Colorado State University. Most of her training and experience has been in ecosystem ecology, with a focus on fire effects on forest and grassland soils. She has also studied climate change impacts on Minnesota tallgrass prairies, wolf behavior and demographics in Yellowstone, fire effects on invasive species in Sequoia National Park, and restoration techniques for endangered species in central Florida rangelands. At Evergreen, she teaches Fire Science and Society and Restoration Ecology for the Graduate Program on the Environment.
Location and Schedule
Offered during: Evening
Advertised schedule: 6-10p Mon