Introductory Winter Field Naturalist

Catalog description

The course introduces students to the practice of natural history through readings, discussion, and field excursions in local winter landscapes. Drawing inspiration from classic naturalist writings, students will learn to observe, record, and interpret ecological communities with attention to detail and context. Weekly discussions explore topics such as wilderness preparation, historical landscapes, wildlife and plant identification, and seasonal ecological events. Field labs emphasize practical skills, including outdoor safety, tracking wildlife, and identifying plants in dormancy, as well as documenting environmental change through written and illustrated observations. Two weekend field trips provides an immersive opportunity to explore Cornell’s Arnot Forest and the Biological Field Station at Oneida Lake during the winter season. The course concludes with reflective evaluation, encouraging students to revisit their early observations.