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Have you wondered what animals live in your neighborhood, backyard or in your city parks?  Do you see a bird and wonder what it could be or where it might live?  Why do soils support some types of plants, but not others?  How about our many aquatic ecosystems such as bayous and wetlands and the variety of plant and animal life diversity?  Interested in learning more about environmental career opportunities, such as a wildlife biologist or a forester?  You will keep a nature journal during this course and explore the wonders of the outdoors with us!

Introduction to journaling, wildlife viewing, and looking at birds and mammals.

Students will explore our prairie, pond, and birding habitats at the EIH outdoor lab. They will be introduced to the basics of bird watching and nature journaling. Students will learn to use binoculars and a birding field guide on day one and will continue for each of the class experiences.

Life-cycles and Food-webs

Students will be studying the lifecycles of insects, birds, and other animals that we find on campus. We will learn how to identify different mammal skulls. Our birdwatching adventures on campus will continue with a hike to the campus wetlands.

Discovering Wetlands

Students will explore the properties of the soils, plants, and wildlife of this important ecosystem. They will also learn about watersheds and stormwater pollution. Our birdwatching adventures on campus will continue with a hike to Horsepen Bayou.

Discovering Woodlands

Students will learn to identify some species of trees on campus and learn of the importance of trees in an urban environment. We will also discuss the importance of remnant prairie and riparian forests for migratory birds and other animals. We will be hiking to our wooded nature trail on campus.

Become a Citizen Scientist

Students will learn to use technology such as Seek by iNaturalist, and the Merlin Bird id app before putting their skills into practice with a biodiversity challenge.