Natural Resources Conservation and Community Sustainability

Catalog description

Conservation, land-use, and community (soil, water, air, plants, animals, and humans) impacting quality of life and sense of place. SOILS 422 provides the student with practical knowledge of community and natural resources conservation. The course covers symbiotic aspects of soil, water, air, plants, animals, and humans and their impact on the community. The course focuses on developing methods for the conservation and sustainable use of resources. This involves understanding the land ethic and developing a sense of place. Conservation awareness has grown in recent years. Originally, erosion control was the sole reason for conservation planning. Eventually water conservation also became a concern addressed by planning. We have now moved into an era of ecosystem-based planning, where soil health, water and air quality, sustainable communities, and much more are considered in conservation planning. This planning involves both natural and human resources. SOILS 422 covers understanding, designing, and developing best management practices (BMPs) for addressing resource conservation and maintaining sustainable farmland and communities. Calculating runoff and soil loss are researched and integrated into conservation planning as tools for establishing the need for BMPs. Resources and technologies are covered, such as soil surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and ground penetrating radar (GPR). Networking and partnerships are also covered to give the student a practical knowledge of the critical nature of teamwork. Additionally, workings and interactions between federal, state, and local organizations and agencies are explored. Land-use patterns, such as urban and suburban sprawl, mining, logging, and resource utilization are explored. Education is enhanced in the form of a community/sense of place project. This project utilizes classroom knowledge and incorporates student research into a practical plan for developing an appreciation and awareness for one's community. Throughout the course the various aspects of soil, water, air, plants, animals and humans are woven together to emphasize the importance of all decisions on the ecosystem. After completing SOILS 422 , the student will be equipped to make valuable and educated decisions to positively affect the community. Hands-on aspects of the course include various field trips to experience field conservation and community stability. At the end of the course the student will be able to evaluate effects of human activities on the landscape; make sustainable landuse decisions; determine the need for, and design best management practices; and develop a sense of place and describe individual roles and responsibilities in the community.