COURSES
Northland College, Ashland, Wisconsin
VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN - BIO328
Fall Semester
This course focuses on the natural history of major and minor plant communities of the Upper Great Lakes region, with an emphasis on the identification and ecology of woody plant species we observe during weekly fieldtrips. Students use taxonomic keys and learn ~80-100 tree and shrub species (common and scientific names) during leaf-on and winter twig stages.
SPRING FLORA - BIO222
May-term
This course introduces students to the tools required to identify and voucher the flowering plants of the Great Lakes region. We travel to a range of habitat types throughout the Northwoods, with students learning ~100 plant species by common and scientific name by the end of May-term. We also spend 1-2 days assisting with plant restoration projects in the region (e.g., sandscape restoration on Apostle Islands and garlic mustard control at Copper Falls State Park). We camp out during the second week of class when we travel to southern Wisconsin (usually to Wyalusing State Park and to Devils Lake State Park and surrounding natural areas).
WETLANDS - NRS358
Fall Semesters
In this wetland science course we discuss the ecology, biology, delineation, and management of wetlands. The lectures and discussions are complemented by frequent field trips to a variety of wetlands to discuss their natural history and classification. The first few weeks of the course include an emphasis on identification of common wetland plants and delineation procedures. Students also spend a significant amount of time conducting field work for a semester-long project that they work on independently or in a small group.
NATURAL HISTORY & CONSERVATION OF THE LAKE SUPERIOR WATERSHED - BIO128
Fall Semester
This course introduces students to the natural history, conservation, and restoration of the region’s natural resources. Students observe patterns of biodiversity, discuss life history characteristics of key species, and connect these observations to the historic and current forces driving ecological change and conservation efforts throughout the Lake Superior watershed. Emphasis is placed on project-based learning, analysis of biological data, and science writing. This course is blocked with courses in geology, Native American studies, writing, and a team-taught practicum course that includes multiple all-day fieldtrips.
BIOLOGY OF ORGANISMS - BIO235
Winter Semester
This course is an introduction to the anatomy, morphology, development and reproduction of plants and animals. In addition, we investigate characteristics taxonomists use to distinguish among the different plant and animal groups. We explore plant and animal adaptations and trade-offs. This course is divided into two halves, with Dr. Johnson teaching the first half of the semester pertaining to plant structures, functions, and diversity (botany).
Seed Biology & Use in Restoration - BIO105 (1 cr)
Fall Semester
​Students study the biology of seeds and reproductive biology of common native species used in native pollinator gardens and in restoration projects, and they discuss the rising need for seeds to meet society's needs in ecosystem restoration and in plant conservation. Students visit field sites to learn about ethical and proper seed collection methods, they clean and curate seed collections for seed banking, they learn about seed quality and viability testing, they apply appropriate stratification methods to increase germination success of native plants, and they discuss seed provenances and genetics considerations in native plant restorations.
Restoration Ecology - NRS345 (4 cr)
Winter Semester
​This course explores the science and practice of ecological restoration, defined by the Society for Ecological Restoration as “the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed.” Through three interconnected units—Ecological Principles, Restoration Planning, and Restoration in Practice—students will gain a comprehensive understanding of ecological theories, restoration planning processes, tactical approaches, and adaptive management strategies. The course emphasizes active learning and critical thinking through readings, discussions, case studies, and interactive lectures. Students will engage in hands-on activities, such as growing native plants for restoration projects on US National Forest lands. This course prepares students for careers or further study in ecological science and ecosystem management.