EFB 496 Disturbance Ecology (3 credit hours). Disturbance ecology focuses on the role of natural and anthropogenic disturbance on the dynamics of Adirondack ecosystems. Drawing on theories of ecological succession and forest gap dynamics, we look at how communities respond to and recover from disturbance. This field course is taught at the Cranberry Lake Biological Station, and includes a survey of vegetation sampling methods, analysis of ecological data and an independent research project.

EFB 496/796 Land and Culture: Native American Perspectives on the Environment (3 credit hours). This integrative course examines the management of natural resources and environmental problem- solving from a Native American perspective. The goal of the course is to provide students with a basis for comparing Native and Western cultural patterns of natural resource utilization. Natural resource use on Native lands is considered in a cultural and historical context. The course will first introduce students to fundamental ideas concerning Native American history, religions, political organization and traditional economies. Tribal sovereignty, as well as Federal Indian Law are described as the framework in which tribes make decisions about environmental issues. The contrasting perspectives of indigenous environmental knowledge and western scientific knowledge are examined. Case studies are used to analyze Native resource management strategies, within the context of the larger American society. Case studies will include Ojibwa fishing rights controversy, Menominee forest management philosophy and practice, ecological restoration initiatives, environmental toxins in traditional subsistence patterns, energy development on Native lands and others. The course is designed to introduce students to the unique cultural context of natural resource management on Indian lands and provides an opportunity for students to integrate in-depth scientific knowledge, resource management policy and cross cultural perspectives. Experimental, interdisciplinary, or special coursework in biology for undergraduate students. Subject matter and methods of presentation varies from semester to semester.

EFB 496 Field Ethnobotany (1 credit hour). Seminar discussions on subjects of interest and importance in environmental and forest biology. Seminar offerings are available in most subdisciplinary areas. This class is taught during the summer at Cranberry Lake Biological Station.

EFB 497/797 Traditional Ecological Knowledge (1 credit hour).