Course Announcements & learning achievement targets
 

 Enroll    Blackboard Learn    VandalWeb    University of Idaho calendar

All enrolled students will receive an introductory email about the course the week before the course begins.
(all email is sent to your official University of Idaho email address)
 
Learning achievement targets
 

 
Introductory notes
  Setup Tutorial on setting up your Internet Explorer browser

Consultations with the professor about the course material are available via telephone or Skype video by appointment.

Note. Carefully review the computer and browser settings in the Advisory section.

Apple OS users 
  References The following reference books may be helpful for understanding ecological terms. These books are available at the University of Idaho VandalStore in the general reference section (and online book sellers) .

Dictionary of word roots and combining forms of scientific words, by Tim Williams. 2005.
 Oxford Concise Dictionary of Ecology. M. Allaby (2010)
 A Dictionary of ecology, evolution and systematics, by R.J. Lincoln, G.A. Boxhall, and P.F. Clark. 1996.
 Guide for use of the International System of Units (SI) by B.N. Taylor, NIST
CBE Style Manual,  7th edition, published by the Council of Biology Editors. 2006.
This is an excellent reference book for learning how to write scientific articles, reports, and books.
Dictionary of natural resource management, by J. Dunster and K. Dunster. UBC Press, University of British Columbia.

To search for journal article, access the University of Idaho Library and search the database, Web of Science.
The database, Agricola, is also good for government publications, which often have studies on restoration ecology.
The personal bibliographic software program, EndNote is excellent for maintaining your personal bibliography.
A discounted price is available for students.

 
Week of January 15
  Notes Please complete and email your information form (sent to you via email) to the Professor
Blackboard Learn is only used to posted grades

General reference list: Books on restoration ecology (the bibliographic database files for EndNote is available on request)

 
  Learning tips An excellent way to master any subject is to orally explain a topic, concept, or term to a colleague. Do this regularly as if you are teaching the subject. If you can explain the course subject matter in a succinct and technically correct manner, then you have mastered the topic.

Review the terminology used in the science of ecology (study Exploring Ecology and or detailed interactive lessons in ecology) and restoration ecology (see Readings).
 
  Study Review the course website

Thoroughly review the interactive ebook on Exploring Ecology linked on the course website home page (Internet Explorer required). This ebook is composed of five lessons that, when completed, provide the knowledge and understanding of a non-majors course in ecology. The goal of this initial assignment is to make sure that all students have a good working knowledge of the science of ecology. For in-depth information on any of the topics on ecology, you can review the interactive lessons in the Study section.
*Enter your University of Idaho NetID and Vandal password when prompted.

Begin and continue reading the background articles on restoration ecology in the Readings section. While these articles have an older publication date, they represent the articles that were key in the development of restoration ecology, and will provide an excellent foundation of the discipline. Two additional articles are pending and will be linked up by Tuesday.
*Enter your University of Idaho NetID and Vandal password when prompted.

Blackboard Learn will only be used to post grades. All course information is on the course website.

As per the syllabus, the course is structured in three major portions: (1) Background readings and information in restoration ecology, (2) Project I: A critical analysis of a completed restoration project in the literature, and (3) Project II: A scientific proposal of a restoration project for a disturbed ecosystem. Detailed information on these three portions will be provide as the course progresses.

 
   


 
Weeks of January 20 and 27
  Notes Monday, January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. - Human Rights Day - University of Idaho is closed

General reference list: Books on restoration ecology (the bibliographic database files for EndNote is available on request)

 
  Learning tips An excellent way to master any subject is to orally explain a topic, concept, or term to a colleague. Do this regularly as if you are teaching the subject. If you can explain the course subject matter in a succinct and technically correct manner, then you have mastered the topic.

Review the terminology used in the science of ecology (study Exploring Ecology and or detailed interactive lessons in ecology) and restoration ecology (see Readings).
 
  Study Complete your review of the interactive ebook on Exploring Ecology linked on the course website home page (Internet Explorer required). See week of January 15 for details.


Continue reading the background articles on restoration ecology in the Readings section. While these articles have an older publication date, they represent the articles that were key in the development of restoration ecology, and will provide an excellent foundation of the discipline. Two additional articles are pending and will be linked up by Tuesday.
*Enter your University of Idaho NetID and Vandal password when prompted.

 
  Assessments Assignment 1 (ungraded, by reviewed) - Complete and return by email to the Professor by Friday, February 7

Use the readings as background information for the two projects - details forthcoming later in the semester.
 
Week of February 3
  Notes
 
  Learning tips The ecological discipline of restoration ecology requires the use of precise terms as well as a mechanistic approach (also known as an experimental approach. Study and review the terminology used in ecology and restoration ecology - and orally explain each term. Consult textbooks in statistics for information on experimental designs for research.

To search for journal article, access the University of Idaho Library and search the database, Web of Science.

The database, Agricola, is also good for government publications, which often have studies on restoration ecology.

The personal bibliographic software program, EndNote is excellent for maintaining your personal bibliography.
A discounted price is available for students.

General reference list: Books on restoration ecology (the bibliographic database file for EndNote is available on request)

 
  Study Review the following presentations. Pay particular attention to the research approach, methodology, and results. Also, try to determine whether the level of success of the restoration project, As you review theses presentations, think about how you might present your work in Project I and II. The last slide(s) on these presentations has a list of references that you can use to research the topic further (use the pause button on the presentation window to view the references slide).

A systems approach for restoration planning by Ian Romansky

Social-ecological complexity and the restoration of river ecosystems: The Columbia by Robert J. Naiman, Emeritus Professor,
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington 

Disturbance , invasion, and long-term restoration in arid rangeland ecosystems by Dr. Lisa Ellsworth Johnson, Assistant Professor,
Oregon State University

Lower Coeur d'Alene Basin Hydrology: History of Alteration and Recommendations for Future Restoration by David Van de Riet

Benefits of Practicing Restoration and Conservation: A Case Study of Silver Creek Preserve by A. Cameron Packer

A Synthesis of Sacramento River Restoration by Lee Jensen

Restoration or Re-Creation: Re-vegetation Practices Past and Future by Jennifer Miller

The Little Salmon River Restoration: A case study and sustainable management solutions by Brian Brooks

Increasing Community Support for Restoration Projects Through Effective Public Involvement by Lucas Baxter

Urban tributaries in the Boise area: Potential for restoration of riparian zones in an urban interface by Brian Reese

Planning the restoration of the Whychus Creek Floodplain by Jason Fisher

Utilizing Remote Sensing to Identify Opportunities for Restoration in the Pine Creek Conservation Area by Devon Comstock

Hangman Creek Watershed Analysis: Land Conservation and Restoration by Drew Reinke

The Ecological Restoration of the Bakersfield Cactus by David Erickson

Effects of habitat degradation on raptors in the Snake River Birds of Prey NCA: A look towards sustainable restoration by Tyson Miller

Palouse Prairie Restoration: Analysis of Alternative Approaches by Zachary Johnson

Whitebark Pine Restoration: More Than a Technical Issue by Justin Ewer

Prairie Restoration and Woody Biomass Utilization: Possibilities for an Integrated Approach by Jami Markle

Post-fire Forest Restoration Alternatives for Private Land in the Black Hills by Douglas Wiles

Aspen Restoration in Northeastern Nevada: Is it Needed? by Kyra Walton

Whitebark Pine Restoration: A Case Study on the Payette National Forest by Coral Tily

Threemile Creek: ecological restoration as sustainable community development by Lee Spencer

From the Monkeywrench Gang to Mainstream: Dam removal and restoration by David Lindley [*Slides only - No audio or video tracks]

 
  Assessments Assignment 1 (ungraded, by reviewed) - Complete and return by email to the Professor by Friday, February 7

Use the readings as background information for the two projects in the course.
 
Week of February 10
  Notes Be sure to regularly refresh (and/or delete the temporary files from your browser) your browser so that you as viewing the current version of the Announcements.
 
  Learning tips Regularly use the definitions of each of the disciplines listed in Assignment 1 in discussions with colleagues, your other related courses, and when discussing the presentations above.
 
  Study Continue your review of the studies posted above for the week of February 3. Pay particular attention to how each
study fits the definitions of restoration ecology and others  in assignment1.

Note that the last slide in each presentation shows a list of references used for the study. These references provide
 an excellent source of information for further information on the study (and perhaps for the preliminary information
 for your Project 1.
 
     
Week of February 17  
  Notes General reference list: Books on restoration ecology (the bibliographic database files for EndNote is available on request)
   
  Learning tips Periodically review the introductory readings for added perspective of restoration as you develop your projects.
 
  Study Carefully review the following slide presentations on restoration ecology
*Tips: Use the pause button to stop the slide show. You can speed up the presentation as well - see other play options at bottom of player.

 
Complete lecture*
 		... or view by topic*
Complete lecture Literature
Definitions
Philosophy
General approaches
Costs & values
Systems
Examples
Review
Conclusions
 
*Note. The slide presentations do no have an audio track. Carefully review the text on each slide, particularly the definitions, excepts from the readings, and figures on the objectives of restoration, cost and values, and complex systems.

Study the section on Systems Ecology in the interactive lesson on Ecosystems & Biomes. Pay particular attention to the
objectives of systems ecology for understanding the structure and function of ecosystems, and the example models
(especially the model of input/output processes for a house).

For a review of climate, especially for a review of climate descriptions, study and review the interactive lesson
on Climate (see section on Climate Descriptions, then review basic climatic graphs, climographs, potential
evapotranspiration graphs, and climate diagrams).

For climate data, consult the Regional Climate Center and EcologyOnline.net  (top-left photoGlobe)

Study and review the article on Systems and systems analysis. Chapter 1 (1-36) in Systems ecology by R.L. Kitching

 
Weeks of February 24 and March 2
  Notes
 
  Learning tips Regularly use the definitions of each of the disciplines listed in Assignment 1 in discussions with colleagues, your other related courses, and when discussing the presentations above.
 
  Study  
  Assessment Project 1 - Critical review of a study on the restoration of a disturbed ecosystem

Part 1
 Research the primary published literature, i.e., journal articles, for a variety of restoration studies (e.g., case studies)
Use the bibliographic databases, Web of Science and Agricola, via the University of Idaho Library
 To search for journal articles, access the University of Idaho Library and search the database, Web of Science or Agricola.
The database, Agricola, is also good for government publications, which often have studies on restoration ecology.
The list of journals is also an excellent source for research studies
Note the list of references at the end of each of the presentations above - the references are are excellent source of information.
The personal bibliographic software program, EndNote is excellent for maintaining your personal bibliography.
A discounted price is available for students.
After reading and reviewing several journal articles, select a case study for your critical review

Part 2
Prepare an in-depth critical analysis of the case study you selected
Instructions and Word document for Project 1
*Tip: Save document to your computer and add your name to the document's name before starting your project
 

Project 1 due date: return by email to the Professor by Monday, March 16

 
Weeks of March 9 and 16
  Notes Spring recess: March 16 - 20. University of Idaho closed.
 
  Learning tips Periodically review the introductory readings for added perspective of restoration as you develop your project.
 
  Study Begin your preliminary research on Project 2 by finding several damaged ecosystems or communities that require restoration. After considering several potential areas for restoration, select one for your project. Your objective is to develop a research proposal to restore that ecosystem.
 
  Assessments

Optional activity for additional insight to your restoration proposal:
Research your local area for in-progress and completed restoration projects
Locate ecosystems in your region that are damaged and could be candidates for restoration
Visit you local soil conservation, fish and game, and forest service offices for information on restoration projects.

 

 
Week of March 23  
  Notes Use your knowledge and understanding from Project 1, and the readings leading up to that project, as preparatory experience for Project 2. I would recommend that you periodically review the readings and the lecture material - particularly the three illustrations below.
 
  Learning tips Periodically review the introductory readings for added perspective of restoration as you develop your project.
 
  Study Review the figures below that summarize the objectives and values of restoration.

Gradient of ecosystem complexity - Note how the complexity of a restoration project may change with the
complexity of the damaged ecosystem and the type of ecosystem to be restored

Relative costs and values for restoration - Note how the cost and the perception of value changes with the different
types of treatment approaches (e.g., restoration, rehabilitation, and reclamation)

Objectives of restoration, rehabilitation, and reclamation - Note how each treatment approach affects the structure
and function of the final ecosystem
 
  Assessments Project 2: Scientific proposal on restoring a disturbed ecosystem
   
Objective: Develop a scientific proposal (goals, objectives, approaches, experimental design, methodology, results, and predicted results) to restore a damaged ecosystem

Project 2 document | Budget spreadsheet for Project 2
*Save to your computer, open the document and enable editing

Examples of Gantt graphs: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (Internet search for more examples)

 
    Preliminary work for these two weeks: Background and planning phase
Select a disturbed ecosystem to restore
You can select any ecosystem that is damaged and requires restoration. For example, there may be a damaged
ecosystem in your geographic area (Tip: contact your local soil conservation district, environmental organization,
park and recreation office, etc., for potential sites to explore; direct contact with sources is highly recommended).
Or, there may be a damaged ecosystem in the country, North America, or other parts of the world that is of interest
to you. I would recommend that you research several the potential damaged ecosystem before your make your
final selection.

Review the scientific literature to for: (1) background ecological information on your selected damage ecosystem
(e.g., research the pre-disturbance situation, land uses, policy issues, the types of disturbance, etc.), (2) the techniques and approaches that other investigators have used to restore similar damaged ecosystems (or other damaged
ecosystems), and (3) different approaches to restoring disturbed ecosystems

Use a systems approach to restoration: Begin developing system flow diagrams for the damaged ecosystem and
the potential options for restoration

 
Week of March 30  
  Notes
 
  Learning tips Create systems flow diagrams for a variety of tasks in your daily routine (e.g., a flow diagram of how your household works, or your daily schedule of work and schooling, or your path to professional success) as practice for developing systems ecology flow diagrams.
 
  Study Periodically review the introductory readings and presentations for added perspective of restoration as you develop your project.
 
  Assessments Continue your research on Project 2:
You should have selected the damaged community that will be the subject of your restoration plan. Work with the Excel spreadsheet for your project budget by entering various costs so that you become familiar with the budget.
 
Week of April 6  
  Notes  
  Learning tips Use a very large piece of paper to draw out your systems ecology flow diagrams. Rather than developing your flow diagrams on or computer screen, it is often better to use pencil and paper. Tip: Attach the large piece of paper to a wall and use colored pencils to work on your flow diagram periodically throughout the day.
 
  Study As you develop the introduction to your proposal, be sure to focus on the nature or the disturbance and how to use ecological principles to restore the damaged community. For example, how can ecological principles and methods be used to accelerate succession to achieve a climate community faster than natural succession.
 
  Assessments Continue your research on Project 2:
In your budget, be sure to account for the appropriate equipment and personnel to accomplish the proposed work.
 
Week of April 13  
  Notes  
  Learning tips Examine your knowledge of terms and concepts in restoration ecology by orally explaining these to a colleague - as if you were teaching this subject. Periodically review the introductory readings for added perspective of restoration as you develop your project.
 
  Study Review your writing thus far for sentences and paragraphs that are succinct and focused. On a regular basis, determine which words in your sentences can be omitted without changing the meaning. This procedure will lead to a concise and focused writing style.
 
  Assessments Continue your research on Project 2:
Review your systems ecology flow diagrams to make sure that all plausible contingencies are accounted for. For example, how will high winds affect broadcast seeding, or how will high rainfall events affect the use of heavy earth moving equipment (if this causes a delay, how will your budget be affected), how would seed predation by rodents affect of the success of the seeding, etc.
 
     
Week of April 20
  Notes
 
  Learning tips Have a colleague act as a reviewer for the funding agency, and have your colleague review your restoration proposal and determine whether it should be recommended for funding.
 
  Study Review the introductory readings, particularly the definitions of restoration ecology, rehabilitation, and reclamation, so that your proposal reflects the appropriate perspective on restoration and the use of these terms.
 
  Assessments Project 2: Finalize your Project 2 research proposal
Your research proposal should be nearing its final stage
Carefully review your figures and tables to make sure that they are relevant to the major points in the proposal
Carefully review your systems ecology flow diagrams to be sure that all of the major aspects - structure and function -
of the damaged community and the restoration plan are accounted for.
Begin proofreading your research proposal

 
Week of April 27  
 
Notes
There is no final examination in the course. Final course grades will be posted on your VandalWeb and Blackboard Learn accounts after noon time on Tuesday, May 19.

Thank you for participating in the course. Best wishes for your educational and professional endeavors.
 
  Learning tips An excellent method for proofreading your written work is to have a colleague read the text aloud while you read the text (use a ruler to isolate one line of text at a time). This method is very effective for finding grammatical and stylistic errors.
 
  Assessments Complete Project 2:
Confirm all sections of your project are complete
Add all figures and tables at the end of your document
Carefully proofread your project - using the method mentioned above

Submit your completed Project 2 and return by email to the Professor by midnight (your local time), Thursday, May 14

 
 

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