This three-week program consists of one, five-credit course that will provide students with a unique opportunity to study both ecological and social field methods. Through field-based and classroom settings, students will be introduced to rangeland ecological monitoring techniques and social science research methods in agrarian communities, gaining a depth of understanding that is rarely accessible to visitors.

Students will explore a wide variety of ecosystems within just a few weeks’ time, including the forests and Mesoamerican barrier reefs of Belize. Students will also be able to study social field methods by directly engaging with local people, exploring their livelihoods and examining the effects of resource management on the local and global community.

Sail and snorkel the crystal clear waters of the Bahama Islands. While living aboard a 57-foot Sailing Vessel you will explore key issues in the sustainable development of marine ecotourism in the Abaco Islands near Marsh Harbor, Bahamas. Learn about coral reef ecology and local Bahamian cultures and their interactions with the sea, nature conservation and tourism development.

This semester-long program will satisfy FWCB major course requirements along with providing students first-hand exposure to the beauty and ecological wonders of Baja California Sur.  Lectures will focus on topics related to the theory, methods, and techniques used to study fish and wildlife populations and the communities they inhabit.  Place-based experiential learning opportunities through field excursions will allow students to explore and learn about marine, island, shore, and desert ecosystems; places CSU students seldom encounter because of Fort Collin’s geographic location. The unique and accessible wildlife in Baja California Sur (e.g., whales, whale sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, reef fish, unique birds, and reptiles) also afford an excellent experiential learning opportunity for students.  Program completion will take place before spring break leaving time for students to participate in internship or job opportunities for the duration of the spring semester/summer term.

Coursework includes:

• FW 370 – Design of Fish and Wildlife Projects
• FW 382 – Travel Abroad: Wildlife Conservation
• FW 471 – Wildlife Data Collection and Analysis
• FW 472 – Issues in Animal Conservation and Management
• FW 482 – Travel Abroad: Conservation of Desert and Marine Animals

Required field trips. Basic outdoor skills crucial for FWCB and outdoor novices. History of wildlife conservation and reasons for declining outdoor participation

Develop field skills using maps, compasses, and aerial photos; photo interpretation; tree and stand measurements; stand volume and value estimates.

Geologic mapping, measuring sections, interpreting geologic history in Colorado. Required comprehensive reports, geologic maps, and cross sections.

Practical and philosophical aspects of wilderness usage including safety, group dynamics, and backcountry skills.

Ecology of Rocky Mountain ecosystems. Basic measurements and integrated management of natural resources. CSU Mountain Campus.

Why do we feel so good when we spend time in nature? How can we use nature to build healthier communities? This course introduces students to the science behind the well-being benefits of nature immersion. From improving physical and mental health, to building a more sustainable society, to achieving social justice goals we’ll focus on how our connection to nature can be leveraged to address some of the biggest problems in society. And we’ll do all this learning immersed in nature at the CSU Mountain Campus. Open to all majors.

Evaluation of the physical environment; characteristics of snow; methods of studying snow; snow safety.