COURSES

Northland College, Ashland, Wisconsin

WETLANDS - NRS358

Most Fall Semesters

In this wetland science course we discuss the ecology, biology, conservation, 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.  Students also spend a significant amount of time conducting independent field work for their ‘Adopt-a-Wetland’ semester-long project.

 VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN - BIO328

Every Fall Semester

This course focuses on the natural history, taxonomy, and ecology of woody plant species that make up forest communities in the Upper Great Lakes Region. Lectures are complimented by weekly field trips to various plant communities.

SPRING FLORA - BIO222

Every 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).  Students are expected to endure long days and sometimes adverse conditions in the field.  We camp out on a three-day field trip during the second week of class.

NATURAL HISTORY & CONSERVATION OF THE LAKE SUPERIOR WATERSHED - BIO128

Every Fall Semester

This course introduces students to the natural history, conservation, and restoration of the region’s natural resources.  Students will 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.

BIOLOGY OF ORGANISMS - BIO235

Every Winter Semester

This course is an introduction to the anatomy, morphology, development and reproduction of plants and animals.  In addition, we will investigate characteristics taxonomists use to distinguish among the different plant and animal groups.  Along the way, we will 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).