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tren 2p94 – human dominated ecosystems. local landscape report overview. David T. Brown Department of Tourism and Environment, Brock University 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 dbrown@brocku.ca. assignments and evaluation. Local Landscape Abstract (due 19 September) 10 %
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tren 2p94 – human dominated ecosystems local landscape report overview David T. BrownDepartment of Tourism and Environment, Brock University 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 dbrown@brocku.ca
assignments and evaluation • Local Landscape Abstract (due 19 September) 10 % • Field Presentation (during field trip) 15 % • Local Landscape Report (due 28 October) 30 % • Final examination (in class on 04 Nov) 25 % • Participation and attendance (mandatory) 10 % • Peer evaluation 10 % • Total 100 %
local landscape field presentation • Niagara has a long settlement history • through observation and research, we can see the influence of human activity on local landscapes throughout Niagara • your major task this term: examine the effects of human activity on a significant local landscape of your own choosing over time
local landscape field presentation • Step 1: choose a local landscape on or close to our planned field trip trails • Step 2: prepare an abstract about the landscape describing why it is significant and worthy of further study • Step 3: do a 15 minute onsite presentation in the field to introduce your landscape to your peers
local landscape report • Step 4: prepare a written local landscape report : • describing the current state of the landscape • documenting changes to the landscape made by humans over time • relating the changes you see to principles of sustainability (TREN 1F90 review!) and principles of landscape ecology (from assigned course readings) • examining broader ecosystem effects
local landscape report • Step 4: prepare a written local landscape report using: • reference materials from the Brock library and elsewhere (independent research) • conventional maps and aerial imagery • digital mapping resources (Niagara Navigator, Google Maps, Google Earth, NPCA Natural Areas inventory, historical maps online) • digital photos taken in the field
local landscape report You will be provided with a report template to organize your report • Section headers will be provided; you will fill in relevant information • Questions will follow each section. You will answer them based on: • Your observations in the field • Assigned readings specified in report template • Your own research
local landscape report • structured analysis of the main features of your landscape • Local Landscape Data Form will be used to guide report writing • you will analyze and describe your landscape based upon specific approaches found in the course readings
local landscape report CONTENT ‘BOILERPLATE’ INFO FOR YOUR LOCAL LANDSCAPE LOCATION: • Municipality: (e.g., St. Catharines) • Local area name: (e.g., Port Dalhousie) • Other identifying names or descriptions (e.g., Central Business District) • Latitude and longitude • Physical Dimensions • Length, Width, Surface Area, Elevation (Highest / lowest point)(Google Earth will tell you the elevation for any point in your local landscape) • Map References • Digital maps: Google Maps 'My Map' URL; Google Earth; Niagara Navigator • Air Photo References: Photo number(s) and location(s) for air photos relevant to your local landscape • Other Graphical Resources (List as appropriate)
local landscape report SIGNIFICANT FEATURES HISTORICAL • Archaeological: features and attributes • Land use history: Commercial / Industrial / Agricultural / Residential Uses CULTURAL • Recreational uses • Cultural attributes of settlers • Architectural Heritage
local landscape report SIGNIFICANT FEATURES ECOLOGICAL • Biota: Plant species / assemblages / communities • Animal species / assemblages / communities • Rare / threatened / endangered species GEOLOGICAL / HYDROLOGICAL • Geology / soils / geomorphology • Water features / Hydrology/ HydrogeologyOther surface / topographic features: CLIMATE / MICROCLIMATE
local landscape report SIGNIFICANT FEATURES LAND TENURE • Jursidiction / Ownership: (e.g., private land, government ministry, provincial agency, corporation, etc.) • Public access permitted? • Zoning: (Residential / Commercial / Industrial / Parks and Recreation, etc.) • Official Plan Designation: (municipal plan, Greenbelt, Niagara Escarpment, etc.) • Land Value if known Management: • Groups, agencies, organizations, individuals (e.g., Parks Ontario, Ontario Power Generation, etc.) • Type of management practices; periodicity / schedule (e.g., utility corridors clearcuteery 5 years; farm fields plowed and replanted every year, etc.)
local landscape report CONNECTIVITY Linkages: Is your landscape connected to adjacent landscapes by roads, trails, waterways, paths, corridors? Adjacent Land Uses OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES websites downloadable electronic resources (reports, e-books, etc.) books journals government publications newspaper / magazine articles any other relevant information sources on your local landscape CONTACT: Name and address of contact person for public lands
final examination • in class, 04 november • exam will test your understanding of: • definitions, principles and concepts in the assigned readings • applying theoretical principles to real-world ecosystem change • lessons you learned from examining your local landscape • short answer / fill in blank / essay format
course outline Online course at www.brocku.ca/tren/courses/tren2p94