Natural History of the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest contains a wide variety of  ecosystems that include alpine glaciated peaks, temperate rainforests, the Puget Sound, and exposed rocky intertidal zones. This creates an ideal opportunity to compare and contrast the ecology of a number of diverse ecosystems and organisms therein.

This program will study the ecology and biological diversity of major habitats in the Pacific Northwest. We will explore aquatic habitats including estuaries, tide marshes and the outer shore as well as terrestrial habitats such forests, coastal dunes and prairies. There will be lab and field work to develop microscopy skills and field sampling methods. A multi-day field trip will provide an opportunity to survey various ecosystems and to conduct fieldwork. Seminar will explore the conflicts associated with conservation and exploitation of natural resources in the Pacific Northwest. Group and independent research projects will apply knowledge and skills developed in lectures, labs and field work.