Travel dates: March 13 - 22
Trip cost: $1500 with $750 due Nov 8, 2024 and $750 due Jan 31, 2025
Instructor: Dan Shustack, Ph.D.
Florida is state with a rich history, a diverse ecology, and a dynamic present. During
this extended field trip we will explore the historical and contemporary interactions
of people with their environment all with the purpose of understanding why modern
environmental issues and conditions of ecosystems are the way they are. We will consider
the human history (including Calusa [native Americans], Spanish and US colonists)
and the historical and modern ways in which people have altered the Florida landscape
and existed in Florida.
During site visits to preserves and natural areas students will learn about and explore the ecology, characteristic species, natural communities and ecosystems of Florida. Through a series of site visits and on-site presentations, students will confront modern conservation issues confronting Florida. Some of these issues include: agricultural practices, development pressures, Everglades management, threatened and endangered species management, water conservation and others. During this travel course we be camping in state and federal parks and visiting diverse natural, cultural and historical sites throughout the Everglades and south Florida. Students should be in good physical condition to fully participate in all aspects of this course.
Cost of the 2025 trip: $1500 with $750 due Nov 8, 2024 and $750 due Jan 31, 2025
Trip planning: Prior to leaving on this trip, attendance at two overview and planning sessions are required. As a group we will coordinate to ensure that meals are planned and equipment requirements are met for all participants. As a class we will approach this course as a learning community where all participants collaborate to participate in a fruitful and enjoyable experience. These meetings are part of establishing this important group dynamic. (Having taken student groups on five separate trips to this area since 2012, I can say that these group synergisms are a very rewarding aspect of this course.)
This course is structured so it is “front-loaded” so all the work is completed prior to our travel. If you complete our journal during the trip (encouraged!), all the requirements of this course will be completed at the end of our trip. This does mean that there is a good amount of work to do beforehand, with weekly assignments due during this timeframe.
Please contact Dr. Shustack or view the syllabus for more information.
