COURSES
Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan
Past courses taught at Northland College, Ashland, Wisconsin (2011-2025)
Plant Ecology - BIO433
Fall Semester
This course explores plant adaptations and environmental processes governing species distribution and demography, community richness and structure, and ecosystem processes. With a strong emphasis on natural history and SW Michigan ecosystems, the 4-credit course is primarily field-based and structured around weekly fieldtrips.
Plant Morphology - BIO303
Winter Semester
This course provides an in-depth study of the morphological evolution of land plants emphasizing key anatomical and reproductive adaptations to the terrestrial environment. Students gain lab skills through weekly lab exercises and a few outdoor fieldtrips emphasizing comparative observations.
Courses taught at Northland College, 2011-2025
VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN - BIO328
Fall Semester
This course focused 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 used taxonomic keys and learned ~80-100 tree and shrub species (common and scientific names) during leaf-on and winter twig stages.
SPRING FLORA - BIO222
May-term
This course introduced students to the tools required to identify and voucher the flowering plants of the Great Lakes region. We traveled 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 spent 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 often traveled to southern Wisconsin to include the driftless region.
WETLANDS - NRS358
Fall Semesters
In this wetland science course we discussed the ecology, biology, delineation, and management of wetlands. The lectures and discussions were complemented by frequent field trips to a variety of wetlands to discuss their natural history and classification. The first few weeks of the course included an emphasis on identification of common wetland plants and delineation procedures. Students spent a significant amount of time conducting field work for a semester-long project.
NATURAL HISTORY & CONSERVATION OF THE LAKE SUPERIOR WATERSHED - BIO128
Fall Semester
This course introduced students to the natural history, conservation, and restoration of the region’s natural resources. Students observed patterns of biodiversity, discussed life history characteristics of key species, and connected these observations to the historic and current forces driving ecological change and conservation efforts throughout the Lake Superior watershed. Emphasis was placed on project-based learning, analysis of biological data, and science writing. This course was 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 was an introduction to the anatomy, morphology, development and reproduction of plants and animals. In addition, we investigated characteristics taxonomists use to distinguish among the different plant and animal groups. We explored plant and animal adaptations and trade-offs. This course was 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 studied the biology of seeds and reproductive biology of common native species used in native pollinator gardens and in restoration projects, and they discussed the rising need for seeds to meet society's needs in ecosystem restoration and in plant conservation. Students visited field sites to learn about ethical and proper seed collection methods, they cleaned and curated seed collections for seed banking, they learned about seed quality and viability testing, they applied appropriate stratification methods to increase germination success of native plants, and they discussed 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.